Podcasts about foreign ministry

US President Trump said talks with Iran were continuing at a rapid pace; he thinks he will have an agreement with Iran to extend the ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz over the next week.Iran's Foreign Ministry said the US bears direct responsibility for violations of the ceasefire with Iran and by Israel in Lebanon, adding that a violation on one front was equal to violations on all fronts.The US is in talks to expand nuclear weapon deployments in Europe, according to the FT.Crude futures gradually pulled back overnight following the prior day's rally; fixed income caught a bid overnight.APAC stocks were mixed following the choppy performance stateside; European equity futures indicate a positive cash market open with Euro Stoxx 50 futures up 0.5%.Looking ahead, highlights include EZ CPI (May), JOLTs Job Openings (Apr), RCM/TIPP Economic Optimism, New Zealand Export/Import Prices (Q1), NBP Policy Announcement (Jun). Speakers include Fed's Kashkari & Hammack, BoE's Bailey & Greene, ECB's Vujcic. Supply from the UK & Germany. Earnings from Dollar General, Palo Alto & ULTA Beauty.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing on Tuesday night for a two-day state visit to China, marking his 25th trip to the country since assuming the presidential office in 2000.俄罗斯总统弗拉基米尔·普京于5月19日晚抵达北京，开始对中国进行为期两天的国事访问。这也是他自2000年就任总统以来第25次访问中国。Prior to his departure, Putin delivered a video address in which he said, "I'm delighted to be visiting Beijing once again at the invitation of my longtime good friend, the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping."在出发前，普京发表了视频致辞。他在致辞中表示：“我非常高兴应我的老朋友、中华人民共和国主席习近平的邀请，再次访问北京。”On Sunday, both Xi and Putin sent congratulatory letters to the 10th China-Russia Expo, which opened on the same day in Harbin, the capital of Northeast China's Heilongjiang province.5月17日，习近平主席与普京总统共同向当天在中国东北黑龙江省省会哈尔滨开幕的第十届中俄博览会致贺信。Russia's TASS news agency quoted Putin as saying in his video address that regular mutual visits and Russia-China top-level talks "are an important and integral part of our joint efforts to promote the entire range of relations between our two countries and unlock their truly limitless potential".据俄罗斯塔斯社报道，普京在视频致辞中表示，定期的互访和俄中高层会谈“是我们共同努力推动两国全方位关系发展、释放两国真正无限潜力的重要且不可分割的一部分”。Bilateral relations today "have reached a truly unprecedented level", Putin said.普京表示，当今的双边关系“已经达到了真正前所未有的高水平”。The special nature of the ties "is reflected in the atmosphere of mutual understanding and trust, in the commitment to pursuing win-win and equitable cooperation, in conducting respectful dialogue, and in supporting each other on matters affecting the core interests of both countries, including protection of sovereignty and state unity", he added.他补充说，两国关系的特殊性“体现在相互理解和信任的氛围中，体现在致力于追求共赢和公平合作的承诺中，体现在开展相互尊重的对话中，以及在涉及彼此核心利益的问题上相互支持，包括维护主权和国家统一”。Putin's visit comes as this year marks the 30th anniversary of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination and the 25th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation.普京总统此访正值中俄建立战略协作伙伴关系30周年、签署《中俄睦邻友好合作条约》25周年这一具有里程碑意义的年份。He said the treaty "laid a solid foundation for a genuinely strategic relationship and comprehensive partnership for the benefit of our countries and our peoples".他表示，该条约“为建立真正的战略关系和全面伙伴关系奠定了坚实基础，造福了两国和两国人民”。Addressing a regular news briefing on Tuesday in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said that China and Russia are comprehensive strategic partners of coordination for a new era, and China welcomes Putin's visit.外交部发言人郭嘉昆周二在北京举行的例行记者会上表示，中俄是新时代全面战略协作伙伴，中方对普京总统的访问表示热烈欢迎。During the state visit, the two presidents "will exchange views on bilateral relations, cooperation in various fields, and international and regional issues of mutual interest", Guo said.郭嘉昆介绍说，在国事访问期间，两国元首“将就双边关系、各领域合作以及共同关心的国际和地区问题交换意见”。A survey report on Sino-Russian youth friendship and cultural exchanges, which was released last week by Renmin University of China, showed that 87.5 percent of young people in Russia and 85.5 percent of young people in China view the two countries' relations as "friendly".中国人民大学上周发布的一项关于中俄青年友好与文化交流的调查报告显示，87.5%的俄罗斯青年和85.5%的中国青年认为两国关系“友好”。Guo said the survey is a "true barometer of public opinion" and its findings illustrate the high level of China-Russia ties.郭嘉昆表示，该项调查是“真正的民意晴雨表”，其结果充分印证了中俄关系的高水平。"Under the strategic guidance of President Xi and President Putin, the China-Russia everlasting friendship will enjoy even greater popular support, and the youth in both countries will join hands and inject fresh vitality into our comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era," he added.他补充说：“在习近平主席和普京总统的战略引领下，中俄世代友好将更加深入人心，两国青年将携手并进，为新时代中俄全面战略协作伙伴关系注入新的生机与活力。”According to the Foreign Ministry, the value of bilateral trade reached $227.9 billion in 2025, marking the third consecutive year of the figure exceeding the $200-billion mark.据外交部数据显示，2025年中俄双边贸易额达到2279亿美元，这也是该数字连续第三年突破2000亿美元大关。Tian Dewen, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies, said that Putin's visit will help to further consolidate the foundation of bilateral relations, featuring long-term stability, a high degree of mutual trust and deeper cooperation.中国社会科学院俄罗斯东欧中亚研究所研究员田德文表示，普京总统此访将有助于进一步巩固具有长期稳定性、高度互信和深化合作特征的双边关系基础。The visit will also promote the continuous improvement and upgrading of practical bilateral cooperation in areas such as energy and trade, scientific and technological innovation, and global governance, Tian said.田德文指出，此次访问还将推动两国在能源与贸易、科技创新以及全球治理等领域的务实双边合作不断提质升级。Zhang Hanhui, China's ambassador to Russia, said that Xi and Putin are expected to hold an important meeting to chart the course for the development of Sino-Russian ties in the new era.中国驻俄罗斯大使张汉晖表示，预计习近平主席和普京总统的此次重要会晤将为新时代中俄关系的发展指明方向。Under the strategic guidance of the two leaders, the two countries "have built a new type of major-country relationship that transcends traditional military and political alliances", Zhang wrote in an article for the People's Daily newspaper, which was published on Tuesday.张汉晖在5月19日出版的《人民日报》署名文章中写道，在两国元首的战略引领下，两国“构建了超越传统军事和政治同盟的新型大国关系”。The two countries "have set an example of mutual respect, frankness and sincerity, harmonious coexistence, and mutual benefit between major countries and neighboring nations", he said.他表示，两国“树立了大国之间、邻国之间相互尊重、坦诚相待、和谐共处、互利共赢的典范”。Putin, in his video address, said that Russia and China are implementing major initiatives "in key areas of our cooperation", and "our warm and friendly ties enable us to chart the boldest plans for the future and bring them to life".普京在视频致辞中表示，俄中两国正在“关键合作领域”落实重大倡议，“这条温暖友好的纽带使我们能够为未来勾勒出最宏伟的蓝图并将其变为现实”。Also on Tuesday, Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang met with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov in Beijing, and the two sides pledged to further strengthen investment cooperation.5月19日，国务院副总理丁薛祥在北京会见了俄罗斯第一副总理丹尼斯·曼图罗夫，双方承诺进一步加强投资合作。Ding called on both countries to give full play to the coordinating role of the China-Russia Investment Cooperation Committee, steadily advance key projects, expand areas of cooperation, achieve more practical outcomes and continue to inject strong impetus into the development of bilateral relations.丁薛祥呼吁双方充分发挥中俄投资合作委员会的协调作用，扎实推进重点项目，扩大合作领域，取得更多务实成果，继续为双边关系发展注入强劲动力。Manturov said that Russia is ready to strengthen strategic alignment with China, enrich the substance of cooperation, actively address issues of mutual concern and continuously raise the level of investment cooperation between the two countries.曼图罗夫表示，俄方愿同中方加强战略对接，富集合作内涵，积极解决双方共同关心的具体问题，不断提高两国投资合作水平。 Equitables /ˈekwɪtəbl/公平合理的，公正的 Everlasting /ˌevəˈlɑːstɪŋ/永恒的，持久的 Barometer /bəˈrɒmɪtə/晴雨表，气压计

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened marginally lower this morning from yesterday's close, at 40,883 on turnover of 11-billion N-T. The market lost ground on Monday, as investors reacted to a decline on Wall Streeet at the end of last week and opted to shun big tech stocks. With analysts saying the decline cames as the market is pulling back from recent record highs and moving into consolidation mode. MOFA talks hopes for Trump to talk with Lai Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi says the government would welcome a direct call between U-S President Donald Trump and President Lai Ching-te. The statement comes as Chen told reporters that Trump's recent remarks that arms sales to Taiwan could be used as a bargaining chip with China and he was still undecided on new arms ​sales to the island. Trump also appeared to suggest that he was seeking to speak with Lai about the issue - albeit (雖然，儘管) without actually naming him. According to Chen, Trump's remarks had "caused some unnecessary concern" in Taiwan, despite the ​government believing that "nothing has changed." The deputy foreign minister is also stressing that the government is seeking confirmation from Washington about whether Trump wants to speak to Lai and is also using all available channels to understand what the U-S side is actually thinking. Taiwan students win eight awards at world robotics competition Taiwan students have won eight awards at this year's Robofest World Competition - which took place at the Lawrence Technological University in Michigan. They bagged two gold medals, one silver, and one bronze at the international robotics competition. Dozens of Taiwanese elementary, junior high, and senior high school students competed against teams from 25 countries. Taiwan's representative office in Chicago has presented congratulatory messages to the award-winning students, commending (讚揚) their dedication (奉獻、投注（時間、精力等）) and encouraging them to continue striving for excellence in their future endeavors. Israel Intercepts Flotilla Headed to Gaza The Israeli military has intercepted boats in international waters off the coast of Cyprus, part of a flotilla attempting to break Israel's naval blockade of Gaza. More than 50 vessels departed from Turkey last week. Organizers say the boats were intercepted Monday 250 nautical miles from Gaza's shores. Cypriot authorities confirmed the interceptions on Monday took place outside its territorial waters. Israel's Foreign Ministry called the flotilla a provocation (挑釁) while Turkey condemned the intervention as piracy. The blockade has been in effect since 2007, restricting movement in and out of Gaza. Previous attempts to breach the blockade have failed. Organizers hope to draw attention to Gaza's living conditions. Tanzania's President, Dangote hold talks in Dar es Salaam amid refinery debate Tanzania's President held investment talks in Dar es Salaam amid growing regional competition over a refinery project's location (地點). Isaac Lukando reports. Mexico Uruguay Aid Arrives in Cuba A ship carrying humanitarian aid from Mexico and Uruguay has arrived in Havana to help ease Cuba's spiriling crises. The ship, which left from a Mexican port, includes food and personal hygiene items, according to a government statement. Cuba's food industry minister says the aid arrives during a time of great economic hardship, worsened by the U.S. blockade. The aid will prioritize children, the elderly, and vulnerable (易受影響的，易受傷害的) families. Cuba's economic and electric crises have deepened this year after the U.S. invaded Venezuela in January, halting (停頓) critical oil shipments. A severe gas shortage and widespread blackouts continue across the island. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Ambassador Amira Oron about Egypt's role in the Middle East. Ambassador Oron outlines Egypt's approach to Hamas, the Palestinian Authority and the Iranian issue. They also discuss Israel-Egypt relations and Turkey's efforts to play a role in Gaza.  Ambassador Amira Oron served for three decades in Israel's Foreign Ministry and dedicated her career to diplomatic activity in the Arab world. She was Israel's Ambassador to Egypt from 2020 to 2024, having previously served in Cairo in the 1990s, later as Head of the Egypt Department at the Ministry. She was also the head of Israel's diplomatic mission in Ankara.

The bullish momentum recently seen in the Chinese market is likely to continue thanks to the structural opportunities provided by the country's rapid adoption of emerging technologies and ongoing economic recovery, said experts.专家表示，中国市场近期的看涨势头有望延续，这得益于中国快速采用新兴技术所带来的结构性机遇以及持续性经济复苏。Their comments were made on Monday after the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index climbed to an 11-year high of 4225.02 points. The Shenzhen Component Index jumped 2.16 percent and the tech-heavy ChiNext in Shenzhen surged 3.5 percent. Combined trading value on the Shanghai, Shenzhen and Beijing bourses topped 3.56 trillion yuan ($520 billion), up nearly 16 percent from the previous trading day.上述评论发表于5月11日。当日，上证综指攀升至4225.02点，创下11年来新高；深证成指上涨2.16%，以科技股为主的创业板指数大涨3.5%。沪、深、京三地交易所合计成交额突破3.56万亿元人民币（约合5200亿美元），较前一交易日放量近16%。A-share listed semiconductor firms fueled the Monday rally, reporting an average daily price gain of 5.01 percent.5月11日的涨势主要由A股半导体上市公司拉动，相关个股当日平均涨幅达5.01%。Fang Jian, manager of the integrated circuit hybrid fund at Yinhua Fund, said the strong performance of Chinese tech companies may have just begun in earnest. The artificial intelligence surge and semiconductor localization will generate enormous investment opportunities in 2026 as chipmakers will see "a big year of orders".银华基金集成电路混合型基金经理方建认为，中国科技股的强势表现或许才刚刚真正启动，人工智能浪潮与半导体国产化将在2026年催生巨大投资机遇，芯片制造商将迎来“订单大年”。On Friday, China's top internet, economic and industry regulators jointly issued a guideline to regulate the application and innovative development of AI agents.5月8日，国家互联网、经济和行业主管部门联合发布指导意见，规范人工智能智能体的应用与创新发展。While foundational models remain the key investment thesis at the current stage, investors are recommended to keep a close eye on power suppliers, companies with deeper and earlier AI adoption, as well as AI enablers that benefit from China's semiconductor localization trend, experts from Morgan Stanley wrote in a report released on Sunday.摩根士丹利专家在周日发布的报告中指出，尽管基础模型仍是当前阶段的核心投资主题，但建议投资者重点关注电力供应商、较早且深入切入AI领域的公司，以及受益于中国半导体国产化趋势的人工智能赋能企业。The development and application of new thematic indices, analysis tools driven by AI innovation and the completion of financial market infrastructure have fueled the Chinese capital market with robust momentum, said David Day, managing director of the London Stock Exchange Group for Asia-Pacific.伦敦证券交易所集团亚太区董事总经理戴介明表示，新型主题指数的开发与应用、AI创新驱动的分析工具以及金融市场基础设施的不断完善，为中国资本市场注入了强劲动力。China's strong economic numbers over the past few months -including exports and industrial production — have provided more confidence to international investors, Thomas Fang, head of China Global Markets at UBS, said during a news briefing on Monday, adding that China is likely to reenter an inflationary cycle in the third quarter.瑞银集团中国全球市场主管房东明5月11日在新闻吹风会上表示，过去几个月中国强劲的经济数据（包括出口和工业增加值）进一步提振了国际投资者的信心。他还预计，中国可能在第三季度重新进入通胀周期。Meng Lei, China equity strategist at UBS Securities, upgraded his forecast for A-share companies' profitability growth rate this year to 11 percent, up from 8 percent at the end of last year. This will serve as one major driver for an A-share bull run throughout 2026, Meng said.瑞银证券中国股票策略师孟磊将其对今年A股公司盈利增长率的预测从去年年底的8%上调至11%。他表示，这将成为2026年A股走牛的主要驱动力之一。Continued capital inflows into the A-share market will be another engine, which will be comprised of household savings directed into wealth management products, recovery in the issuance of mutual fund products, thematic exchange traded funds and high net wealth individuals investing more in private equities or quantitative funds, he added.他补充说，持续的资本流入是A股的另一大引擎。这些资金包括：居民储蓄转向理财产品，公募基金发行回暖，主题ETF（交易型开放式指数基金）扩容，以及高净值个人加大对私募股权或量化基金的投资。Market sentiment was also buoyed on Monday as the Foreign Ministry announced that United States President Donald Trump will pay a three-day state visit to China from Wednesday.5月11日，市场情绪也得到了提振。中国外交部宣布，美国总统唐纳德·特朗普将从5月13日开始对中国进行为期三天的国事访问。The visit, which will take place as scheduled, will directly improve the risk appetite in the A-share market, said Chen Guo, chief strategist of Eastmoney Securities.东方财富证券首席策略师陈果表示，此次访问将如期进行，并将直接改善A股市场的风险偏好。Overall market confidence will be strengthened. Export companies may benefit in anticipation of a marginal easing in tariff tensions. In the event of phased procurement or investment arrangements, a potential sentiment-driven recovery may be seen in companies specializing in cyclical products, power equipment and machinery, Chen said.陈果认为，整体市场信心将进一步增强。出口企业有望受益于关税紧张局势的边际缓和预期。若出现阶段性采购或投资安排，那些主营周期性产品、电力设备和机械的公司或将迎来情绪驱动的反弹。fueled /ˈfjuːəld/推动，助推news briefing /njuːz ˈbriːfɪŋ/新闻吹风会private equities /ˈpraɪvət ˈekwətiz/私募股权mutual fund /ˈmjuːtʃuəl fʌnd/公募基金buoyed /bɔɪd/提振，推高

China announced on Monday its decision not to approve the Taiwan region's participation in this year's World Health Assembly, and criticized the Democratic Progressive Party authorities' attempt to seek "independence" by soliciting external support.中国于5月11日宣布，决定不同意台湾地区参加今年的世界卫生大会，并批评民进党当局企图通过“挟洋自重”谋求“台独”。Taiwan is reportedly yet to receive any invitation to attend the 79th World Health Assembly, which is scheduled to open in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 18.据报道，台湾方面尚未收到参加定于5月18日在瑞士日内瓦开幕的第79届世界卫生大会的邀请。The decision was made to uphold the one-China principle, as well as the seriousness and authority of relevant United Nations General Assembly and WHA resolutions, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a daily news briefing in Beijing.外交部发言人郭嘉昆在京举行的例行记者会上表示，这一决定是为了维护一个中国原则，以及联合国大会和世界卫生大会相关决议的严肃性和权威性。Without the consent of the central government, the region has no basis, reason or right to participate in the WHA, Guo said.郭嘉昆指出，未经中央政府同意，台湾地区没有任何基础、理由或权利参加世界卫生大会。He stressed that the DPP authorities stubbornly adhere to the separatist stance of "Taiwan independence", which has eroded the political foundation for Taiwan's participation in the WHA.他强调，民进党当局顽固坚持“台独”分裂立场，从根本上破坏了台湾地区参与世界卫生大会的政治基础。He said that the region's participation in international organizations, including activities of the World Health Organization, must be handled in accordance with the one-China principle, which is a fundamental principle affirmed by UNGA Resolution 2758 and WHA Resolution 25.1.郭嘉昆表示，台湾地区参与国际组织活动，包括世界卫生组织的相关活动，必须按照一个中国原则来处理，这是联合国大会第2758号决议和世界卫生大会第25.1号决议所确认的根本原则。There is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, said Guo, adding that the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China.郭嘉昆重申，世界上只有一个中国，台湾是中国领土不可分割的一部分。他同时强调，中华人民共和国政府是代表全中国的唯一合法政府。He added that any attempt to violate the one-China principle and engage in political manipulation by playing the "Taiwan card" is doomed to fail.他进一步指出，任何企图违背一个中国原则、通过打“台湾牌”进行政治操弄的行径都注定失败。On the same day, Chen Binhua, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said Taiwan's exclusion from the WHA was entirely the result of secessionist political manipulation by the DPP authorities, and reflected their failure in trying to "seek independence through health-related issues".同日，国务院台湾事务办公室发言人陈斌华表示，台湾地区被排除在世界卫生大会之外，完全是民进党当局进行谋“独”政治操弄的结果，也标志着其“以疫谋独”图谋的失败。It once again proves that the international community's commitment to the one-China principle is unshakable, he said.他表示，这再次证明，国际社会坚持一个中国原则的格局不可动摇。For eight consecutive years - 2009 to 2016 — the region participated in the WHA as an observer under the name "Chinese Taipei".从2009年到2016年，台湾地区曾连续八年以“中华台北”名义、观察员身份参加世界卫生大会。According to Chen, this special arrangement was based on both sides of the Taiwan Strait adhering to the 1992 Consensus, which embodies the one-China principle.据陈斌华介绍，这一特殊安排是建立在海峡两岸均坚持体现一个中国原则的“九二共识”基础之上的。He noted that the DPP authorities' deceptive and provocative practices will meet firm opposition from compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, as well as from the international community, and are doomed to fail.他指出，民进党当局的欺骗性、挑衅性行径将遭到海峡两岸同胞及国际社会的坚决反对，注定以失败告终。• Solicit /səˈlɪsɪt/恳求，请求，招揽• Stubbornly /ˈstʌbənli/顽固地，倔强地• Separatist /ˈsepərətɪst/分裂主义的，独立派的• Inalienable /ɪnˈeɪliənəbl/不可分割的，不可剥夺的• Secessionist /sɪˈseʃənɪst/分裂国家的人，主张脱离的

Beijing said on Monday that it was ready to work with the United States to expand cooperation, manage differences and inject more stability and certainty into a turbulent and changing world as it confirmed that US President Donald Trump will pay a three-day state visit to China starting from Wednesday.According to Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun, President Xi Jinping will hold in-depth exchanges with Trump on issues concerning China-US relations as well as major issues related to world peace and development.The visit will mark Trump's first trip to China during his second term in office and the first visit to China by a US president in nine years.Noting that head-of-state diplomacy has played an irreplaceable strategic guiding role in China-US relations, Guo told a regular press briefing that China is willing to work with the US in the spirit of equality, respect and mutual benefit to expand cooperation, manage differences and provide more stability and certainty for a transforming and volatile world.Since Trump secured re-election in November 2024, the two heads of state have spoken five times over the phone and held one face-to-face meeting, maintaining regular communication as Beijing and Washington seek to keep bilateral relations on a stable track.Speaking on a television program on Sunday, Trump said that he was looking forward to visiting China again and believed the upcoming trip would be "amazing", adding that his relationship with President Xi was "very good".Su Xiaohui, deputy director of the Department for American Studies at the China Institute of International Studies, said head-of-state diplomacy has consistently served as the "anchor" of China-US relations.Direct communication between the two leaders, she said, can help both sides better understand each other's intentions, avoid miscalculation, grasp the overall direction of bilateral ties and explore ways to build a relationship that is strategic, constructive and stable.Diao Daming, a professor at Renmin University of China, said that given the complexity of China-US relations, the significance of Trump's visit lies not in resolving all issues at once, but in whether the two sides can use top-level communication to address each other's concerns and send more positive signals to the world.Washington should view China objectively, develop a rational perception of China and work with Beijing in the same direction, rather than approach bilateral ties from a position of strength, he added.Diao said that both sides should expand areas of cooperation, reduce the list of problems, and ensure that economic and trade ties continue to serve as a ballast and driver of bilateral relations rather than a source of friction and conflict.Regarding the technological landscape, experts have pointed out a current "truce" that offers a window for structured dialogue.Martin Chorzempa, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, said during an event last week that "the technology front looks relatively calm compared to past administrations".Chorzempa suggested that high-level engagement could help cement this atmosphere, noting that many restrictive measures have been "walked back or paused" over the last year as both nations seek to avoid further escalation.Sourabh Gupta, a senior fellow at the Institute for China-America Studies, told China Daily that extending the trade and technology truces established at earlier high-level meetings remains a top priority.He suggested that setting a clear framework for conversation is vital for creating a stable environment throughout the current administrative terms. He added that artificial intelligence has emerged as a significant area where both nations recognize a mutual interest in risk management.Scott Kennedy, senior advisor and trustee chair in Chinese business and economics at the US-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, said during a news briefing earlier that the current trajectory reflects a period of relative confidence. He said that as the two sides prepare for senior-level dialogues, "China has the right to be confident that they are doing very well bilaterally". He added that as long as the trajectory remains stable, the outcome favors bilateral health.While both sides are seeking to expand cooperation, managing differences and sensitive issues — particularly the Taiwan question — is also expected to be high on the agenda.During a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in late April, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the Taiwan question concerns China's core interests and remains the biggest risk in China-US relations. He urged Washington to honor its commitments, make the right choice and create new space for bilateral cooperation while making due efforts for world peace.Bonny Lin, director of the China Power Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said that stability in the overall relationship is predicated on mutual understanding. Referring to official positions, Lin pointed out that fulfilling international obligations on this question is viewed as "a necessary prerequisite for the stable, sound and sustainable development of China-US relations". Experts suggest that maintaining clear communication on these foundational concerns remains essential for avoiding miscalculations.

2026-05-11 | UPDATES #199 | While Zelenskyy was signing satirical decrees, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova were performing the other half of the regime's choreography: the threat.The Russian Foreign Ministry, captured by Pravda EN, RFE/RL, the Washington Times, and TASS, issued what RFE/RL called "a belligerent warning to Kyiv, and diplomatic missions there" — threatening to "attack the Ukrainian capital if Ukraine did in fact disrupt the May 9 events." The Foreign Ministry advised foreign embassies and international organisations located in Kyiv to evacuate their offices in case of such a strike. The Defence Ministry urged civilians to evacuate as well. Moscow is a thug and a bully, and these threats are completely in character. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------ACTIVE CAMPAIGN:We are raising funds for 5 of 15 Vampire DronesSilicon Curtain for Kupiansk Vampires. Dzyga's Paw, together with Jonathan Fink, is joining forces to raise $40,000 to provide the Khartiia Brigade with Vampire Drones.https://dzygaspaw.com/silicon-curtain-for-kupiansk-vampiresThese heavy bombers are designed to destroy manpower and equipment, as well as for remote mining. The Vampire UAV, manufactured by Skyfall, has proven itself to be one of the most effective weapons in the Kupiansk direction. Skyfall is one of Ukraine's largest defense tech companies, producing Vampire bomber drones, various modifications of Shrike FPV drones, P1-SUN, Shahed drone interceptors, communication systems, and components.----------PLEASE HELP ME ME TO GROW SILICON CURTAINWe are planning our events for 2026, and to do more and have a greater impact. After achieving more than 12 events in 2025, we will aim to double that! 24 events and interviews on the ground in Ukraine, to push back against weaponized information, toxic propaganda and corrosive disinformation. Please help us make it happen!----------SOURCES: Ukrainska Pravda — "Ukraine officially allows Russia to hold Victory Day parade in Moscow: Zelenskyy signs decree" (8 May 2026) Mediaite — "Zelensky Trolls Putin By Announcing Ukraine Will Honor Ceasefire for Moscow Parade — By Including Exact Military Coordinates" (8 May 2026) Mezha — "Zelenskyy allows Moscow parade and excludes Red Square from weapons plan" (8 May 2026) RBC-Ukraine — "Zelenskyy allows a parade in Moscow on May 9" (8 May 2026) LIGA.net — "Zelenskyy's decree allows parade to be held in Moscow" (8 May 2026) Euronews — "Trump announces three-day of ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia" (8 May 2026) Washington Times / AP — "What Russia's low-key Victory Day celebrations reveal about Putin and the war in Ukraine" (8 May 2026)Pravda EN / English Pravda — "Lavrov Warns of 'No Mercy' for Attempts to Disrupt Victory Day Celebrations" (7-8 May 2026) Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty — "Ukraine Says It Hit Russian Caspian Sea Warship; Kremlin Boosts Security For May 9 Victory Day" (7 May 2026) TASS / Pravda Armenia — "From a briefing by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, M.V.Zakharova" (7 May 2026) Pravda Trump — Yuri Baranchik commentary (7 May 2026) ----------

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 48-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 41,886 on turnover of $11-billion N-T. The market continued to rally on Thursday - with the main board briefly surpassing the 42,000-point mark for the first time to hit yet another new intraday high, as investors were buoyed by hopes the Strait of Hormuz will soon reopen to shipping. Government seeking separate, tougher penalties for drug driving Transport Minister Chen Shih-kai says the government is considering treating drug-impaired driving as a distinct offense separate from drunk driving - potentially leading to harsher penalties. According to Chen, officials from the transport and interior ministries are scheduled to meet next Monday to discuss possible amendments to current laws, including tougher penalties and joint liability provisions for drug-impaired driving. Chen says while drug use itself is already a criminal offense, driving a vehicle under the influence of narcotics - especially when it results in injury or death - should carry tougher penalties than drunk driving. The statements come amid growing concern over a recent spate of (一連串) serious traffic accidents involving drivers under the influence of narcotics. Those incidents include a drug-driving crash on May 4 that resulted in the deaths two people. Several lawmakers have voiced their support for criminal liability for drug driving to be made different from that for drunk driving. Iran Creates Gov Agency to Control Tax Vessels in Strait Iran has created a government agency to control and tax vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. That's according to the shipping data company Lloyd's List Intelligence, which reported the move Thursday. The Iranian effort to formalize control over the channel raised new concerns about international shipping as hundreds of commercial ships remained bottled up (圍困，困住) in the Persian Gulf, unable to reach the open sea. A spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry said officials in Tehran are still reviewing messages from Pakistan, which is mediating peace proposals between the Islamic Republic with the U.S. Court strikes down Trump 10% global tariffs A US federal trade court has struck down President Donald Trump's global 10% tariff, declaring it illegal. The White House imposed (強制實行,) the rate in February after the Supreme Court ruled against the administration's Liberation Day tariffs. Nick Harper reports from Washington. El Salvador News Outlet Assets Froze Salvadoran investigative news outlet El Faro has announced that its members' assets have been frozen. The outlet on Thursday accused the government of President Nayib Bukele of escalating political persecution. El Faro has clashed (不相容，相牴觸) with Bukele over its investigations into corruption, including alleged negotiations with gangs. Bukele, who came to power in 2019 on an anti-corruption platform, has faced criticism for cracking down on dissent. The outlet learned of the asset freeze through a bank and property registry. El Faro has been audited (查賬目) since 2020 over alleged tax evasion, which it denies. Many of its members now live in exile. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 單身租屋族有機會免繳稅？ 幼兒、長照扣除額有感大升級 《十樂不設

７日、ソウルで開かれた安全保障対話に臨む加野幸司防衛審議官、船越健裕外務事務次官、韓国の朴潤柱外務第１次官、李斗熙国防次官【ソウル時事】日韓両政府は７日、外務・防衛当局による安全保障対話をソウルの韓国外務省で開いた。 Japan and South Korea held their first vice ministerial security talks in Seoul on Thursday, reaffirming the importance of bilateral ties and trilateral cooperation with the United States, South Korea's Foreign Ministry said.

Japan and South Korea held their first vice ministerial security talks in Seoul on Thursday, reaffirming the importance of bilateral ties and trilateral cooperation with the United States, South Korea's Foreign Ministry said.

China has urged all peace-loving countries to remain highly vigilant and firmly resist Japan's neo-militarist moves, after the latter took its latest step toward revising three key security-related documents as part of a broader push to accelerate its military buildup under the pretext of strengthening deterrence.Lin Jian, a spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry, made the remarks at a daily news briefing in Beijing on Tuesday, a day after Japan convened its first expert panel meeting to advance the revision of the documents, which are expected to be updated by the end of the year.According to reports, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told the meeting that Japan should draw lessons from the Ukraine crisis and the conflict in the Middle East, adapt to "new forms of warfare", including the use of drones, and prepare for a "long-term conflict".Lin pointed out that Japan, which has launched wars and invaded other countries in the past, is now playing up so-called tensions. "Is Japan seeking to repeat the mistakes of history, race down the path of remilitarization and once again become a source of trouble in East Asia?"Japan's recent dangerous and provocative moves in the military and security fields — from its long-standing "exclusively defense-oriented policy" to its declaration to "prepare for a long war" — have dented its self-proclaimed image of being a peaceful country, Lin said.He noted that Japanese militarism pursued rampant aggression and expansion in the past, committing heinous crimes against China and other Asian neighbors, while also inflicting deep suffering on the Japanese people.He added that many insightful people have observed that recent remarks made by some Japanese politicians sound more like warmongering, closely resembling the rhetoric of Japanese militarists in the past.To prevent the resurgence of Japanese militarism, a series of documents with full legal effect under international law — including the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender — required Japan to remain "completely disarmed" and to not maintain industries that could allow its rearmament for war.The Japanese Constitution also places strict limits on the country's military capabilities, its right of belligerency and its right to wage war.This year marks the 80th anniversary of the beginning of the Tokyo trials, which held Japanese leaders accountable for war crimes committed during World War II.And yet, Japan has not only failed to seriously reflect on its past wars of aggression, but is also attempting to pursue military expansion, Lin said, adding that the international community will never allow that.Also on Tuesday, China expressed its strong indignation and stern condemnation of visits made to the Yasukuni Shrine by 166 Japanese national and local lawmakers.Their visits follow Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi's recent ritual and cash offerings to the notorious shrine, which is a symbol of Japanese militarism and wartime aggression and honors Japanese militarists, including 14 convicted Class-A war criminals.Lin, the Foreign Ministry spokesman, denounced these moves, saying they blatantly trample on historical justice and human conscience, as well as challenge the outcomes of WWII and the postwar international order.Eighty years ago, the international community, with overwhelming iron-clad evidence, passed its judgment on Japan's crimes of aggression, tried and sentenced its Class-A war criminals, upheld the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and safeguarded international justice, Lin said.However, some Japanese politicians and right-wing forces, instead of reflecting on history and correcting the wrongdoings, repeatedly visit the war shrine in an attempt to reverse the verdict on Japan's aggression, whitewash its war crimes and revive militarism, he said."The Chinese people and people elsewhere who suffered under Japanese aggression will never accept that, neither will anyone in the world who stands for peace," Lin added.

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 345-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 39,176 on turnover of 19.3-billion N-T. The market lost ground on Tuesday after selling set in just off the 40,000-point mark as investors remained cautious ahead of key U-S tech earnings this week. KMT-TPP alliance backs Lee Shu-chuan for New Taipei mayoral race Former Taipei Deputy Mayor Lee Shu-chuan of the K-M-T has been selected as the joint nominee for New Taipei mayor after beating Taiwan People's Party Chairman Huang Kuo-chang in a poll conducted by the two parties. The results found Lee leading D-P-P candidate Su Chiao-hui in both surveys Lee says the results marked "the beginning of responsibility" and he's pledging (保證) to honor agreements between the K-M-T and the T-P-P - including incorporating policy proposals put forward by Huang. While Huang is pledging his full support for Lee's campaign, saying the process reflected democratic values through dialogue and fair competition. High speed rail to install platform doors at all stations The High Speed Rail Corporation has announced plans to install platform screen doors at all of its stations. According to the company, construction is underway at its Hsinchu and Banqiao stations - where the new screen doors are expected to be operational (運作中的) in the fourth quarter of this year. Screen doors will be next installed at Taichung, Taoyuan, Miaoli, Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi and Tainan stations. Full installation of platform screen doors across the network is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2028 The project is costing the corporation about 2-billion N-T. Ukraine Accuses Israel of Allowing Russia Imports of Stolen Grain Ukraine is accusing Israel of allowing the import of grain it claims Russia stole from occupied areas. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says a vessel carrying grain arrived at an Israeli port, calling the trade illegal and warning of sanctions. Israel denies the vessel entered the port, although tracking shows it in Haifa for days. Israel's foreign minister dismissed (不理會，不考慮) the comments as "Twitter diplomacy” and says Ukraine hasn't provided enough information. kraine's Foreign Ministry says more vessels have arrived with grain it describes as stolen. Kyiv urges Israel to stop these imports, warning it could harm relations between both countries. Taylor Swift concert terror plotter stands trial A man accused of plotting a terror attack at a Taylor Swift concert in Austria is set to stand trial from today. The 21-year-old is alleged to have planned to target a venue in Vienna in August 2024. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted (被定罪的). Europe correspondent William Denselow reports Australia Proposes News Tax on Digital Giants Australia is proposing to tax digital giants Meta, Google and TikTok a proportion of their revenue (收入) to pay for news reporters. The government released draft legislation Tuesday that it intends to introduce to Parliament by July. It would create a financial incentive (財務誘因) for the social media companies to strike deals with news organizations to pay for journalism. The platforms' have said the proposal was a “digital services tax” that misunderstood the evolving advertising industry and would fail to deliver a sustainable news sector. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says a monetary value needs to be attached to journalists' work. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 新加坡，開啟最過癮的海陸雙享假期！ 蘋果旅遊 推出新加坡與郵輪專案，結合新加坡城市魅力與豪華郵輪體驗，迪士尼探險號或雲頂夢號任你選，一次滿足海陸度假享受，詳情請洽蘋果旅遊！

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he will extend the ceasefire with Iran as the current two-week truce is set to expire on Wednesday night.美国总统特朗普21日表示将延长对伊朗停火协议，原定为期两周的停火将于“华盛顿时间22日晚”到期。"Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured, not unexpectedly so and, upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of Pakistan, we have been asked to hold our Attack on the Country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal," Trump wrote on Truth Social.特朗普在"真实社交"平台发文称："鉴于伊朗政府目前处于严重分裂状态（这并不令人意外），且应巴基斯坦陆军参谋长阿西姆·穆尼尔元帅与总理夏巴兹·谢里夫的请求，我们已同意暂缓对伊朗发动军事打击，直至该国领导人及代表能提出统一方案。"The US president said he will "extend the ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other."特朗普表示将"延长停火期，直至伊方提交方案并且完成谈判，无论最终结果如何。"。The US military will continue the blockade against Iran and "remain ready and able," Trump said.他同时强调美军将继续对伊朗实施海上封锁，"保持战备状态"。Trump said on Monday that it was "highly unlikely" for him to extend the truce, and on Tuesday morning he told US media that he doesn't want to do that, expecting the United States to "end up with a great deal" with Iran while threatening to bomb Iran again if no deal is reached.值得注意的是，特朗普20日曾声称"极不可能"延长停火，21日早间还对美媒表示不愿延期，期待美伊能"达成重大协议"，同时威胁若协议未果将再度空袭伊朗。US Vice President JD Vance, whose trip to Pakistan for talks with Iran has been put on hold, was at the White House for meetings on Tuesday, along with Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner, multiple media outlets reported.据多家媒体报道，因赴巴基斯坦与伊方会谈行程推迟，美国副总统万斯21日现身白宫参与会议，与会者包括总统特使威特科夫及总统女婿库什纳。US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth arrived at the White House on Tuesday afternoon to join discussions over Washington's next steps, according to the reports.国务卿鲁比奥与国防部长赫格塞思当日下午亦抵达白宫，共同商讨美方下一步行动。The United States violated the ceasefire by starting a naval blockade of Iran's ports, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tuesday on X.伊朗外长阿拉格齐21日在X平台指责美方"通过启动对伊港口海上封锁破坏停火协议"。Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei told state TV late Tuesday that Iran has not yet decided whether to join fresh peace talks since it was upset about what he called mixed messages from Washington.伊外交部发言人巴加埃当晚向国家电视台表示，因不满华盛顿方面释放的矛盾信号，德黑兰尚未决定是否参与新一轮和谈。"It is not out of indecisiveness, it is because we are facing contradictory messages and behaviors, and unacceptable actions from the American counterpart," Beghaei said.巴加埃强调："这并非犹豫不决，而是因为美方言行不一且采取不可接受的行动。"As US forces have intercepted and taken custody of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship on Sunday and Iran has not yet announced its decision to send a negotiating team for talks, the prospect of an expected second round of US-Iran talks remains unclear, according to media reports.据媒体报道，随着美军19日扣押一艘悬挂伊朗国旗的货船，加之伊朗尚未宣布派遣谈判代表团，外界预期中的美伊第二轮会谈前景仍不明朗。expire /ɪkˈspaɪər/到期 届满fracture /ˈfræktʃər/破裂 断裂put on hold /pʊt ɒn hoʊld/暂停 搁置naval blockade /ˈneɪvəl blɑːˈkeɪd/海上封锁 海军封锁indecisiveness /ˌɪndɪˈsaɪsɪvnəs/犹豫不决 优柔寡断intercept /ˌɪntərˈsept/拦截 截获take custody of /teɪk ˈkʌstədi ʌv/扣押 拘管

Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes.On today's podcast:1) President Trump and Iranian officials offered disparate views on the next stage of the war, casting uncertainty over whether the two sides would meet for peace talks with a ceasefire set to expire in the coming days. Tensions in the war ratcheted up over the weekend as the US Navy fired upon and boarded an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman, the first seizure in the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. That critical waterway for energy shipments remained closed early Monday after confusion over the weekend about whether tankers could transit the strait. Iran had initially said ships could pass before abruptly stopping traffic through the waterway less than 24 hours later. At a weekly press conference Monday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said there are "no plans for the next round of negotiations, and no decision has been made in this regard.”2) Oil jumped, pushing US stocks and Treasuries lower after a turbulent weekend in the Middle East cast doubt on the prospects for peace talks ahead of a looming ceasefire deadline. Brent rose 5.4% above $95 a barrel as the US Navy carried out its first seizure of an Iranian vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. Futures for the S&P 500 fell 0.5%, with the benchmark poised to snap a five-day winning streak during which it notched a succession of highs. European stocks declined 1%, while the technology sector drove gains in Asia. The dollar was little changed. Bond yields rose sharply in Europe, whereas moves in Treasuries were more modest. Gold dropped below $4,800 an ounce.3) A man in Louisiana killed eight children, including seven of his own, in a domestic shooting that unfolded across two homes in Shreveport early Sunday, leaving a community in shock and prompting a large police response. The gunman, identified as Shamar Elkins, 31, also critically wounded two women before being killed by officers after a pursuit. Police said the victims, ages 3 to 11, were found in a single residence, with at least one child attempting to escape from the roof. Authorities said the case appears to stem from a domestic dispute and remains under investigation. It is the deadliest U.S. mass shooting in more than two years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United States and Iran have failed to reach any agreement after 21 hours of talks that concluded on Sunday in Pakistan, putting a fragile two-week ceasefire at grave risk as the six-week-old conflict, which has killed thousands and sent global oil prices soaring, hangs in the balance.美国与伊朗在巴基斯坦首都伊斯兰堡举行的会谈于4月12日结束，长达21小时的谈判未能达成任何协议。这场持续六周、已造成数千人丧生并推高全球油价的冲突前景悬而未决，本就脆弱的为期两周停火协议也面临严重威胁。The face-to-face talks in Isla­mabad marked the first direct high-level meeting between Washington and Tehran in more than a decade, and were their most senior diplomatic encounter since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.此次伊斯兰堡面对面会谈是美伊两国十多年来首次高层直接会晤，也是自1979年伊斯兰革命以来双方最高级别的外交接触。Iran's semiofficial Tasnim news agency said that "excessive" US demands had blocked reaching an agreement. Other Iranian media outlets said that there was agreement on a number of issues, but that the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear program were the main points of difference.伊朗半官方的塔斯尼姆通讯社称，美方"过分"的要求阻碍了协议达成。其他伊朗媒体则报道称，双方在部分议题上已形成共识，但霍尔木兹海峡与伊朗核计划仍是主要分歧点。Esmaeil Baghaei, a spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry, described the negotiations as taking place in an atmosphere of deep distrust. "It is only natural that we could not have expected to reach a comprehensive agreement in just one round of talks," he said.伊朗外交部发言人伊斯梅尔·巴加埃将此次谈判形容为"在深度互不信任的氛围中举行"。他表示："仅通过一轮谈判就期望达成全面协议显然不现实。"When asked whether diplomacy had been exhausted, he said, "Diplomacy never ends."当被问及外交渠道是否已穷尽时，巴加埃回应称："外交永不终结。"Iran had been in the middle of nuclear negotiations with US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner in late February when the US and Israel — Washington's closest Middle East ally — launched military operations against Iran. The attacks triggered sweeping retaliation by Tehran that plunged the region into full-blown conflict.今年二月底，正当伊朗与美国总统特朗普特使史蒂夫·威特科夫及其女婿贾里德·库什纳进行核谈判之际，美国与其最亲密的中东盟友以色列对伊朗发动了军事打击。此举招致德黑兰方面的大规模报复，地区局势由此陷入全面冲突。JD Vance, US vice-president and head of the US delegation, told reporters that Iran had chosen not to accept US terms while insisting that he had put forward a "final and best offer".率美国代表团参会的副总统JD·万斯向记者表示，伊朗选择拒绝接受美方条款，并坚称美方已提出"最终最优方案"。"The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement, and I think that's bad news for Iran much more than it's bad news for the US," he said. His remarks, however, offered no clarity on what happens once the 14-day ceasefire brokered by Pakistan expires.万斯称："坏消息是未能达成协议，但我认为这对伊朗的打击远甚于美国。"然而，他并未说明由巴基斯坦斡旋达成的14天停火协议到期后局势将如何发展。Pakistani mediators urged both sides to uphold the truce. "We hope that the two sides continue with a positive spirit to achieve durable peace and prosperity for the entire region and beyond," said Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.巴基斯坦调解方呼吁双方维持停火。巴外长伊沙克·达尔表示："希望双方保持积极精神，为整个地区乃至世界实现持久和平与繁荣。""There were mood swings from the two sides and the temperature went up and down during the meeting," a Pakistani source told Reuters in reference to the talks, which began on Saturday and continued overnight.一名巴基斯坦消息人士向路透社透露谈判内情："会谈期间双方情绪波动明显，气氛时紧时松。"据悉，谈判自4月11日开始并彻夜进行。The Iranian delegation was led by Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Analysts had earlier said that its composition signaled Tehran's seriousness about securing a deal in Islamabad.伊朗代表团由议会议长穆罕默德·巴盖尔·卡利巴夫和外交部长阿巴斯·阿拉格齐率领。分析人士此前指出，如此高规格的代表团阵容表明德黑兰对达成协议抱有诚意。"The size, seniority and scope of the Iranian delegation … signal both Tehran's sincerity in these negotiations and its clear expectations and confidence," said Trita Parsi, executive vice-president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft and an expert on US-Iran diplomacy.昆西治国方略研究所执行副总裁、美伊外交问题专家特里塔·帕尔西分析称："伊朗代表团规模之大、级别之高、涵盖领域之广……既彰显了谈判诚意，也反映出其明确诉求与信心。"Before the talks began, a senior Iranian source told Reuters that the US had agreed to release frozen Iranian assets in Qatar and other foreign banks. A US official denied making any such commitment.谈判开始前，一名伊朗高级消息人士向路透社透露，美国已同意解冻伊朗存放在卡塔尔及其他外国银行的资产。但一名美国官员否认作出过此类承诺。According to Iranian state television and officials, Tehran is also demanding full control of the Strait of Hormuz, war reparations and a regionwide ceasefire covering Lebanon.据伊朗国家电视台及官员表态，德黑兰方面还要求获得霍尔木兹海峡完全控制权、战争赔款以及涵盖黎巴嫩的区域性停火。However, Israel has insisted that the Lebanon conflict is not within the remit of the truce with Iran, which has maintained that the fighting in Lebanon must stop. Lebanese authorities said that Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday and early Sunday killed 18 people, pushing the overall death toll from Israel's campaign past 2,000 since the conflict began.但以色列坚称黎巴嫩冲突不属于对伊停火协议范畴，而伊朗则坚持必须停止黎巴嫩战事。黎巴嫩当局称，以色列11日及12日凌晨对黎南部的空袭造成18人死亡，冲突爆发以来以军行动已导致逾2000人丧生。The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has become Iran's most powerful strategic card in the conflict. Before the conflict, around one-fifth of the world's seaborne oil transited the waterway daily in more than 100 vessels. Since the ceasefire took hold, only 12 ships have reportedly been recorded as passing through.封锁霍尔木兹海峡已成为伊朗在这场冲突中最具威慑力的战略筹码。冲突爆发前，全球约五分之一的海运石油每日由百余艘船只经此航道运输。而停火期间，据报仅有12艘船只记录在案通过海峡。During the negotiations, the US military announced that two destroyers had transited the strategic waterway ahead of mine-clearing operations — the first such passage since the conflict started. Iran's joint military command quickly denied the claim.谈判期间，美军曾宣布两艘驱逐舰在扫雷行动前穿越该战略水道——系冲突爆发以来首次。伊朗联合作战指挥部迅即予以否认。"Any attempt by military vessels to cross the Strait of Hormuz will be confronted firmly and decisively," Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said in a statement.伊朗伊斯兰革命卫队在声明中强调："任何军事舰艇试图穿越霍尔木兹海峡的举动都将遭到坚决果断的应对。"Hours after the talks ended without a deal, Trump announced that the US Navy would immediately blockade the Strait of Hormuz and interdict any vessel in international waters that had paid a toll to Iran.谈判无果而终数小时后，特朗普宣布美国海军将立即封锁霍尔木兹海峡，并在国际水域拦截任何向伊朗支付过通行费的船只。most senior diplomatic encounter /moʊst ˈsinjər ˌdɪpləˈmætɪk ɪnˈkaʊntər/最高级别外交接触sweeping /ˈswipɪŋ/大规模的；彻底的broker /ˈbroʊkər/斡旋；促成war reparations /wɔr ˌrɛpəˈreɪʃənz/战争赔款remit /rɪˈmɪt/职权范围；权限transit /ˈtrænzɪt/穿越；运输blockade /blɑˈkeɪd/封锁interdict /ˌɪntərˈdɪkt/拦截；阻断

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up nearly 90-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 34,951 on turnover of $10-billion NT. Market optimism over prospects for a Middle East ceasefire lifted U.S. stocks, carrying the momentum into Taiwan's market today. Electronics and semiconductor indices both rose over 1-percent%, while financial stocks bucked the trend, slipping around 0.4-percent. Among heavyweight stocks, TSMC opened with a gain of 1.28-percent. And memory chip duo Winbond Electronics and Nanya Technology both climbed more than 3-percent. (NS) Potential typhoon will not affect Taiwan: CWA A tropical storm southeast of Guam is expected to strengthen into a typhoon — but the Central Weather Administration says it poses (構成) no threat to the island. The CWA says "Sinlaku" is the fourth tropical storm of the season, and is projected to continue heading north before becoming a typhoon. Forecasters say it will remain far from Taiwan and have no direct impact. Closer to home, temperatures are forecast to hit 30 degrees Celsius across Taiwan today, and foehn winds in Taitung could push temperatures above 36 degrees. The hot weather continues through Tuesday, when an arriving weather front will cool northern and central Taiwan. Conditions will otherwise remain mostly sunny and stable through Monday, with afternoon showers possible in mountainous areas. Kuwait Accuses Iran and Proxies of Drone Attacks Kuwait has accused Iran and its proxies of launching drone attacks targeting it on Thursday despite the two-week ceasefire in the Iran war. Saudi Arabia also says recent attacks damaged a key pipeline in the kingdom. The statement from Kuwait's Foreign Ministry about attacks on "vital Kuwaiti facilities" put new pressure on the ceasefire ahead of planned talks Saturday between the United States and Iran in Islamabad. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's state-run Saudi Press Agency, quoting an anonymous official, acknowledged a recent attack in the war that damaged its crucial (至關重要的) East-West pipeline. That pipeline carries oil out to the Red Sea and avoids the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran maintains a chokehold (實體控制) on despite the pause in the fighting. Artemis II astronauts describe their lunar voyage as surreal and profound ahead of Earth return The crew of Artemis II is speeding towards home after their historic (歷史性) trip around the moon. AP correspondent Jennifer King reports. UK Sea Creature Fossil Not Oldest Octopus Scientists have found evidence that a 300-million-year-old sea creature previously thought to be the world's oldest octopus is actually a nautilus (鸚鵡螺) relative. University of Reading zoology lecturer Thomas Clements led the research, which found that the fossil, originally identified in 2000, had too many teeth to be an octopus. The creature, about the size of a human hand, was found in Illinois and had puzzled scientists for years, because it is much older than the next-earliest known octopus. The findings, published this week, mean Guinness World Records will no longer list the specimen (樣本) it as the earliest known octopus. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 出國就選最好的！ 跟著【東南旅遊x六一遛阿寬】帶爸媽去北越下龍灣 全程五星住宿，搭頂級遊船、熱氣球，品嘗在地米其林

Sara Firth, Foreign correspondent based in Washington DC, discusses reports of attempts to bring the Middle East war to a temporary halt.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry says Tehran has finalized its demands to end the war in the Middle East, but will not bow to pressure as to when it will reveal them.

China has expressed "grave concern" over Japan's deployment of long-range missiles capable of striking what Tokyo calls "enemy bases".对于日本部署可打击其所谓"敌方基地"的远程导弹一事，中方表示"严重关切"。Japan announced on Tuesday the deployment of the long-range missiles in its Kumamoto and Shizuoka prefectures. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said Japan "faces the most severe and complex security environment in the postwar era" and must build up its ability to defend itself from outside the region.3月31日，日本在其熊本县和静冈县部署了远程导弹。日本防卫大臣小泉进次郎称，日本"正面临战后最严峻复杂的安全环境"，须构筑防区外防卫能力。In response, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Wednesday that Japan's deployment of offensive weapons under the pretext of "defense" and "counterattack" far exceeds the scope of "self-defense" and "exclusive defense".对此，外交部发言人毛宁4月1日表示，日方打着“防卫”“反击”的幌子，部署进攻性武器，远远超出“自卫”和“专守防卫”范畴。This "seriously violates the provisions of documents with binding force of international law, such as the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, and this seriously violates Japan's Constitution and its existing domestic norms," Mao said.毛宁表示，此举"严重违背《开罗宣言》《波茨坦公告》《日本投降书》等具有国际法效力文件的规定，严重违背日本宪法和国内既有规范"。"This once again shows that Japan's far-right forces are pushing security policies toward offensiveness and expansionism," she added.毛宁还称，"这再次反映出日本右翼势力正在推动安保政策朝着进攻性、扩张性的方向转变。"The upgraded Type-12 land-to-ship missiles, developed and produced by Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, became operational at Camp Kengun in Kumamoto prefecture, The Associated Press reported.据美联社报道，由日本三菱重工研发和生产的升级版12式岸舰导弹已在熊本县健军驻地部署。The missiles have a range of about 1,000 kilometers, a significant extension from the 200 km range of the original, allowing it to reach China's mainland, according to the AP.据美联社报道，该导弹射程约1000公里，与原型200公里的射程相比有大幅提升，可覆盖中国大陆部分地区。Mao said Japan's "new militarism" is threatening peace and stability in the region. The international community should remain highly vigilant, she said.毛宁表示，日本的“新型军国主义”正在威胁地区和平稳定。国际社会应对此高度警惕。"I have also noticed that many Japanese organizations and citizens have clearly expressed their objection," she added.毛宁指出，"我们也注意到，很多日本团体和民众明确表达了反对意见。"Last month, a Japanese Self-Defense Forces officer illegally broke into the Chinese embassy in Tokyo with a knife.上月，一名日本自卫队官员持刀非法闯入中国驻日本使馆。"Instead of seriously reflecting on the lack of oversight and control over the Self-Defense Forces, the Japanese side is busy hyping up external threats and accelerating its military buildup. This trend is extremely dangerous," Mao said.毛宁表示，"日方不反躬自省自卫队失管失控问题，却忙着煽炒外部威胁、加速扩军备武，这一动向十分危险。""We solemnly urge the Japanese side to deeply reflect on its history of militarist aggression, live up to its commitments in the field of military security, and act with discretion.""我们严正敦促日方深刻反省军国主义侵略历史，在军事安全领域恪守承诺、慎重行事。"grave concern /ɡreɪv kənˈsɜːrn/严重关切deployment of offensive weapons /dɪˈplɔɪmənt əv əˈfensɪv ˈwepənz/部署进攻性武器pretext /ˈpriːtekst/借口Japan's far-right forces /dʒəˈpænz fɑːr raɪt ˈfɔːrsɪz/日本右翼势力solemnly /ˈsɑːləmli/郑重地，严正地

The officer training provided by Japan's Self-Defense Forces deserves scrutiny and serious reflection, after a knife-wielding officer recently broke into the Chinese embassy in Japan, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said in Beijing on Tuesday.针对日本自卫队官员近日持刀闯入中国驻日本使馆一事，中国外交部发言人毛宁3月31日在例行记者会上表示，日本自卫队向后备干部提供何种培训，这一问题值得关注、调查和深思。At a daily news conference in Beijing, a reporter mentioned media reports saying that Kodai Murata, the SDF officer, had been handed over to prosecutors by the Japanese police recently.在当天举行的外交部例行记者会上，有记者提到，据报道，持刀闯入中国驻日本大使馆的自卫队官员已被日本警方送检。In response, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said that the incident reveals "the deep-rooted influence and grave hazards of Japan's right-wing ideology and distorted views of history".对此，毛宁回应称，此次事件暴露出日本右翼思想和扭曲历史观流毒之深、为害之大。On March 24, Murata broke into the Chinese embassy in Tokyo and threatened to kill Chinese diplomats in "the name of god".3月24日，村田晃大持刀闯入中国驻日本大使馆，并扬言"以神之名"杀害中国外交官。Mao noted that the officer's parents said he showed no radical tendencies when growing up and receiving education in his hometown, and that they had no idea at all why he had acted in this way in the incident at the embassy.毛宁指出，非法闯入中国使馆的自卫队官员的父母称他在家乡成长学习期间并没有极端表现，完全不知道他为什么要这么做。"But at the SDF, he received nine months of training for reserve officers. So the question is, during those nine months, what kind of views was he indoctrinated by the SDF and what kind of training did he receive? These questions deserve more attention, probe and deep pondering," Mao said.毛宁表示："此人在自卫队接受9个月的后备干部培训课程，在这一过程中，自卫队到底向他灌输了什么思想，进行了什么教育？值得关注、调查和深思。"According to media reports, the National Defense Academy of Japan has an annual "tradition" of paying group visits to the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, which enshrines 14 Class-A war criminals.据报道，日本防卫大学每年有集体参拜靖国神社的“惯例”。而靖国神社供奉着14名甲级战犯。Umio Otsuka, a retired senior officer of Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force, was appointed chief priest of the Yasukuni Shrine in 2024.2024年，日本前海上自卫队高官大塚海夫就任靖国神社宫司。"This marks the first time a retired SDF admiral has assumed the highest position at the Yasukuni Shrine," Mao said.毛宁指出，这是首次由退役自卫队将领出任靖国神社最高职位。"The SDF has, over the years, invited radical far-rightist personnel who harbor hatred toward China to participate in teaching, and their textbooks are filled with content distorting and whitewashing Japan's history of aggression during World War II," she added.她表示，自卫队长期邀请极端仇华的极右翼分子参与教学，培训教材中充斥着歪曲美化二战侵略历史的内容。The spokeswoman said, "The international community needs to stay on high alert against the rightward turn of the SDF and the trend of remilitarization in Japan."毛宁强调："日本自卫队右倾化、日本“再军事化”值得国际社会高度警惕。""China once again urges Japan to thoroughly investigate the incident and take effective measures to address the root causes and prevent such incidents from happening again," she added."中方再次敦促日方彻查事件，从根本上杜绝此类事件再次发生。"knife-wielding /ˈnaɪfˌwiːldɪŋ/持刀的be handed over to prosecutors /biːˈhændɪd ˈəʊvər tuː ˈprɒsɪkjuːtəz/被移交检方grave hazards /ɡreɪv ˈhæzədz/严重危害indoctrinate /ɪnˈdɒktrɪneɪt/灌输（思想）deep pondering /diːpˈpɒndərɪŋ/深思enshrine /ɪnˈʃraɪn/供奉；铭记admiral /ˈædmərəl/海军上将；将官far-rightist personnel /ˌfɑːˈraɪtɪst ˌpɜːsəˈnel/极右翼人员

U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on March 29, said talks with Iran are ongoing and making “very good” progress. He urged Tehran to take the deal or face destruction of its critical infrastructure. A spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry denies negotiations are taking place.Transportation Security Administration agents are expected to be paid again soon after Trump signed a presidential memorandum last week that would allow them to get paid despite the Department of Homeland Security shutdown, which is now officially the longest in history, with no end in sight.

In this exclusive and wide-ranging Zeteo interview, Mehdi presses a senior Iranian official – Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei, who was involved in last month's nuclear meetings in Geneva – on the state of the war, the future of negotiations, Iran's human rights record, and more. SUBSCRIBE TO ZETEO TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT AND UNFILTERED JOURNALISM: https://zeteo.com/subscribe WATCH 'MEHDI UNFILTERED' ON SUBSTACK: https://zeteo.com/s/mehdi-unfiltered FIND ZETEO: Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeteo_news Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeteonews TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zeteonews   FIND MEHDI: Substack: https://substack.com/@mehdirhasan Twitter: https://twitter.com/@mehdirhasan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/@mehdirhasan TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mehdirhasan   To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/Zeteo  

Welcome to The Daily Wrap Up, an in-depth investigatory show dedicated to bringing you the most relevant independent news, as we see it, from the last 24 hours (3/24/26). As always, take the information discussed in the video below and research it for yourself, and come to your own conclusions. Anyone telling you what the truth is, or claiming they have the answer, is likely leading you astray, for one reason or another. Stay Vigilant. !function(r,u,m,b,l,e){r._Rumble=b,r[b]||(r[b]=function(){(r[b]._=r[b]._||[]).push(arguments);if(r[b]._.length==1){l=u.createElement(m),e=u.getElementsByTagName(m)[0],l.async=1,l.src="https://rumble.com/embedJS/u2q643"+(arguments[1].video?'.'+arguments[1].video:'')+"/?url="+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+"&args="+encodeURIComponent(JSON.stringify([].slice.apply(arguments))),e.parentNode.insertBefore(l,e)}})}(window, document, "script", "Rumble");   Rumble("play", {"video":"v75e3ly","div":"rumble_v75e3ly"}); Source Links (In Chronological Order):  (18) Carey on X: "It's actually insane how many people believe this lie about the war in Iran.

China has warned of an unmanageable situation in the Middle East if the war continues to escalate. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian again called for an end to military operations.

China confirmed on Tuesday that it remains in communication with the United States regarding the date of US President Donald Trump's possible visit to China, saying that it has noted Washington's clarification that the scheduling of the visit is not linked to the issue over the Strait of Hormuz.昨天，中国证实，就美国总统唐纳德·特朗普可能访华的日期，中美双方正保持沟通，并表示已注意到美方澄清此次访问的安排与霍尔木兹海峡问题无关。Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian made the remarks at a regular news briefing in Beijing in response to media reports quoting Trump as saying that his visit to China might be postponed if China doesn't provide assistance in securing the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.外交部发言人林剑在北京举行的例行记者会上作出上述表态。此前有媒体报道称，特朗普表示如果中国不协助确保霍尔木兹海峡安全，在中东紧张局势升级背景下，其访华行程可能被推迟。Lin said that China has noted that the US described such reports as "completely false". He told reporters that there is ongoing communication about the date of the trip, but there is no further information available at present.林剑表示，中方注意到美方已称相关报道"完全失实"。他向记者透露，双方正就访问日期保持沟通，但目前没有更多信息可以提供。The reports drew a coordinated rebuttal from the US on Monday, with Trump himself, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt all publicly denying any linkage between the visit and the Strait of Hormuz.这些报道周一遭到美国方面的一致反驳，特朗普本人、美国财政部长斯科特·贝森特及白宫新闻秘书卡罗琳·莱维特均公开否认访华行程与霍尔木兹海峡存在任何关联。Speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday, Trump said he is looking forward to the trip. "There's no tricks to it," he said. "It's very simple. We've got a war going on (with Iran)."特朗普周一在白宫对记者表示，他期待此次访华之行。"这其中没有任何诡计，"他说，"事情很简单，我们（与伊朗）正在进行一场战争。"Calling such reports "false narrative", Bessent said that the meeting "wouldn't be delayed because the president demanded that China police the Strait of Hormuz".贝森特称这些报道为"虚假叙事"，并表示此次会晤"不会因为总统要求中国在霍尔木兹海峡执行巡逻任务而推迟"。"If the meeting for some reason is rescheduled, it would be rescheduled because of logistics — the president wants to remain in DC to coordinate the war effort, and that traveling abroad at a time like this may not be optimal," he said."如果会晤因故改期，那将是出于后勤安排考虑——总统希望留在华盛顿协调作战行动，此时出访可能并非最佳选择，"他说道。Leavitt confirmed that the meeting is not in jeopardy, but acknowledged "it's quite possible the meeting could be delayed".莱维特确认会晤安排并未取消，但承认"访问很有可能推迟"。diplomatic /ˌdɪpləˈmætɪk/ 外交的denial /dɪˈnaɪəl/ 否认logistics /ləˈdʒɪstɪks/ 后勤misinformation /ˌmɪsɪnfəˈmeɪʃn/ 错误信息

A senior Iranian official said the new Supreme Leader rejected proposals that were sent to Iran's Foreign Ministry by two intermediary countries, with the Leader stating it is not the right time for peace and that the US and Israel must be defeated.Israeli Defence Minister Katz said Iran's Top Security Chief Larijani was killed in the airstrike; Iran has not confirmed the status of Larijani.Crude gains in choppy trade as the Iranian war continues; metals move with the dollar.European bourses are mixed, Neste lifts the Utilities sector; US equity futures fall following Nvidia's GTC event.DXY muted, G10s mixed while AUD outperforms after the RBA hiked rates.Fixed income continues to be driven by energy and geopolitics.Looking ahead, highlights include US ADP Employment Weekly, Japanese Trade Balance (Feb), Comments from ECB's Nagel, and Supply from the US.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

Last time we spoke about the Soviet-Japanese neutrality pact. In the summer of 1939, the Nomonhan Incident escalated into a major clash along the Halha River, where Soviet-Mongolian forces under Georgy Zhukov decisively defeated Japan's Kwantung Army. Zhukov's offensive, launched on August 20, involved intense artillery, bombers, and encirclement tactics, annihilating the Japanese 23rd Division and exposing weaknesses in Japanese mechanized warfare. The defeat, coinciding with the Hitler-Stalin Nonaggression Pact, forced Japan to negotiate a ceasefire on September 15-16, redrawing borders and deterring further northern expansion. Stalin navigated negotiations with Britain, France, and Germany to avoid a two-front war, ultimately signing the German-Soviet pact on August 23, which secured Soviet neutrality in Europe while addressing eastern threats. Post-Nomonhan, Soviet-Japanese relations warmed rapidly: fishing disputes were resolved, ambassadors exchanged, and the Chinese Eastern Railway sale finalized. By 1941, a neutrality pact was concluded, allowing Japan to pivot southward toward China and Southeast Asia.   #193 The Chiang-Wang Divide Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. After that lengthy mini series covering the battle of Khalkin Gol, we need to venture back into the second sino-japanese war, however like many other colossal events….well a lot was going on simultaneously. I wanted to take an episode to talk about the beginning of something known as the Reorganized National Government of the Republic of China, or much shorter, the Wang Jingwei Regime. It's been quite some time since we spoke about this character and he is a large part of the second sino-japanese war.    After the fall of Tianjin and Beiping, the government offices in Nanjing entered their annual summer recess. All of GMD's senior leadership, from Chiang Kai-shek down to Wang Jingwei, gathered on Mount Lu, a picturesque resort in northern Jiangxi, south of the Yangtze, famed for cliffs, clouds, and summer villas. Although Chiang had visited Mount Lu every summer, this was the first occasion that nearly the entire central government assembled there. Analysts suspected the gathering was a deliberate move to relocate government functions inland in the event of total war. Dozens of the nation's leading intellectuals were invited to Mount Lu to discuss strategies for countering Japan's ambitions. The forum was scheduled to begin on July 15 and to last twenty-seven days in three phases. The bridge incident caught them off guard. Unlike Manchuria, Beiping had long been the nation's capital, and the shock added urgency to the proceedings. When the forum, chaired by Wang, finally opened on July 16, speculation ran as to whether this signaled another regional conflict or the onset of full-scale war. The media pressed for a resolute stance of resistance from the government. To dispel the mounting confusion and perhaps his own indecision, Chiang delivered a solemn speech on July 17, declaring that if the incident could not be resolved peacefully, China would face the "crucial juncture" of national survival and would consider military action; if war began, every Chinese person, from every corner of the country and from every walk of life, would have to sacrifice all to defend the nation.   Chiang's Mount Lu Speech was now commonly regarded as the moment when China publicly proclaimed its firm commitment to resistance. Contemporary observers, however, did not take Chiang's stance at face value. Tao Xisheng, a Peking University law professor who had been invited, recalled that after the speech, people gathered in Hu Shi's room to discuss whether a peace option remained. Chiang left the mountain on July 20, leaving Wang to chair the conference. The discussions continued upon their return to Nanjing, where a National Defense Conference was organized in mid-August. It was also Tao's first encounter with Wang Jingwei. A "peace faction," largely composed of civil officials and intellectuals, began to take shape around Wang, favoring diplomatic solutions over costly and potentially ineffective military action.   During this period, both Chiang and Wang publicly called for resistance, while both harbored hopes for a peaceful solution. Yet their emphases differed. On July 29, Wang Jingwei delivered a radio address from Nanjing titled "The Critical Juncture," echoing Chiang's slogan. He likewise asserted that after repeated concessions and retreats, the critical juncture had come for China to rise against Japan. It would be a harsh form of resistance, since a weak nation had no alternative but to sacrifice every citizen's life and scorch every inch of land. Yet toward the end, Wang's speech took on an ironic turn. He stated, "The so-called resistance demands sacrificing the whole land and the whole nation to resist the invader. If there is no weakness in the world, then there is also no strength. Once we have completed the sacrifice, we also realize the purpose of resistance. We hail 'the critical juncture'! We hail 'sacrifice'!" The sentiment sounded almost satirical, revealing his doubt about the meaning of total sacrifice.   The hope for containment was crushed by Japan's ongoing advances. On November 12, Shanghai fell. Chiang's gamble produced about 187,200 Chinese casualties, including roughly 30,000 officers trained to German standards. Japanese casualties were estimated at a third to a half of the Chinese losses, still making it their deadliest single battle to date. The battered Japanese Imperial Army and Navy, long convinced of their invincibility, were consumed by vengeful bloodlust. The army swept from Shanghai toward Nanjing, leaving a trail of murder, rape, arson, and plunder across China's heartland.   With the fall of Nanjing looming, the central government announced on November 20 that it would relocate to Chongqing, a city upriver on the Yangtze protected by sheer cliffs. Plans for Chongqing as a reserve capital had already begun in 1935, with Hankou as the midway station. To preserve elite troops for the future while saving face, Nanjing was entrusted to General Tang Shengzhi and his roughly one hundred thousand largely inexperienced soldiers. Nanjing fell on December 13. Despite this victory, Japan's hopes of ending the China Incident within three months were dashed. The carnage produced by the war, especially the Rape of Nanjing, left a profound moral stain on humanity. A mass exodus from the coastal provinces toward the hinterland began. People fled by boats, trains, buses, rickshaws, and wheelbarrows. Universities, factories, and ordinary households were moved halfway across China, step by step. The nation resolved to persevere, even in distant mountains and deserts if necessary. In Sichuan alone, government relief agencies officially registered about 9.2 million refugees during the war years.   Chiang Kai-shek, after paying respects at Sun Yat-sen's mausoleum, flew to Mount Lu with Song Meiling. The so-called Second Couple chose a more modest path: like most refugees, the Wang family traveled upriver along the Yangtze. On November 21, they left Nanjing, abandoning a recently renovated suburban home and thirty years of collected books. Coincidentally, the ship carrying Wang Jingwei from Nanjing to Wuhan was SS Yongsui, the former SS Zhongshan that had escorted Sun Yat-sen to safety and witnessed Wang's ascent and subsequent downfall from power. Ironically renamed "Yong-sui," the ship's new title meant "peace," while the compound term suijing denoted a policy of appeasement. This symbolism—Wang being carried away from Nanjing by a ship named "Eternal Peace"—foreshadowed his eventual return to the city as a champion of a "peace movement."   After the Mount Lu Forum, Hu Shi and Tao Xisheng could not return to Beiping, now under Japanese occupation. They joined the government in Nanjing. Beginning in mid-August, Japanese bombers began attacking Nanjing. Air power—an unprecedented weapon of mass destruction—humbled and awed a Chinese public largely unfamiliar with airborne warfare. By striking a target that did not serve its immediate interests, Japan demonstrated its world-class military might and employed psychological warfare against the Chinese government and people. Because Zhou Fohai's villa at Xiliuwan had a fortified cellar suitable as an air-raid shelter, a group of like-minded intellectuals and civil servants sought refuge there. They preferred a peaceful approach to the conflict, subscribing to the idea of trading space for time—building China's industrial and military capabilities before confronting Japan. Tao Xisheng and Mei Siping, old allies of Zhou Fohai, lived in his house. Another frequent guest was Luo Junqiang, an ex-communist. The former CCP leader Chen Duxiu, recently released from prison, joined their gatherings a few times. Gao Zongwu hosted another meeting site. Hu Shi, as a guest himself, jokingly called this circle the "Low-Key Club" (Didiao julebu), a label that underscored their pragmatic defiance of the government's high-flown rhetoric urging all-out resistance. Many members of this group would later become central figures in a conspiracy known as the "peace movement," with Wang Jingwei as its leader and emblem.   As Gerald Bunker noted, the peace scheme did not originate with Wang but with certain associates of Chiang, elements in Japanese military intelligence, and members of liberal-minded Japanese political circles who were linked to Konoe. Zhou Fohai belonged to the Chiang-loyalist CC faction, named for Chen Guofu and Chen Lifu. Zhou believed that resistance under current conditions was suicidal. He sought to influence Chiang through people around him, including Wang Jingwei, whom he found impressionable and began visiting at Wang's salon. Gao Zongwu, head of the Foreign Ministry's Asian Department, felt sidelined by Chiang's uncompromising stance. They shared the sense that Chiang might be willing to talk but feared the price, perhaps his own leadership. They were dismayed by the lack of a long-range war plan beyond capitulation. Their view was that China's battlefield losses would worsen the terms of any settlement, and that the war's outcome seemed to benefit Soviet Russia and undermine the GMD more than China itself. The rapid collapses of Shanghai and then Nanjing vindicated their pessimism. Chiang's autocratic decision-making only deepened their dissatisfaction. They feared China was again at risk of foreign conquest from which it might not recover.   Wang Jingwei became the focal point for these disaffected individuals, drawn by his pacifist leanings, intellectual temperament, and preference for consensus-building. After the government relocated to Hankou, he lent guidance to the Literature and Art Research Society (Yiwen yanjiu hui), a propagandist body led by Zhou Fohai and Tao Xisheng. Its purpose was to steer public opinion on issues like the war of resistance and anticommunism, and to advocate a stance that the government must preserve both peace and war as options. Many believed it to be Wang's private organization; in truth, Chiang supported its activities. For much of 1938, Chiang's belligerent anti-Japanese rhetoric and Wang's conciliatory push were two sides of the GMD's broader strategy.   Among the society's regional branches, the Hong Kong chapter flourished under Mei Siping and Lin Baisheng. In addition to editing South China Daily News, Lin established Azure Books and the International Compilation and Translation Society (Guoji bianyishe) as primary propaganda organs. Ironically, Mei Siping had himself been a radical during the 1919 student protests, when he helped set fire to the deputy foreign minister's house in protest of perceived capitulation to Japan.   Wang Jingwei also actively engaged in international efforts to broker peace between Japan and China, including Trautmann's mediation by the German ambassador. Since the outbreak of war, various Western powers had contemplated serving as mediators, but none succeeded. Nazi Germany, aligned with Japan in an anti-Soviet partnership, emerged as China's most likely ally because it did not want Japan to squander its strength in China or compel China to seek Soviet help. Conversely, Japan's interest lay in prolonging the war or achieving a swift settlement. Ambassador Trautmann met with Wang Jingwei multiple times from October 31 to early November 1937 to confirm China's preference for peace before negotiating with Japan. The proposal Trautmann carried to Chiang Kai-shek on November 5 proposed terms including autonomy for Inner Mongolia, a larger demilitarized zone in North China, an expanded cease-fire around Shanghai, a halt to anti-Japanese movements, an anti-communist alliance, reduced tariffs on Japanese goods, and protection of foreign interests in China. Although Japan did not specify territorial gains, these terms deviated significantly from Chiang's demand to restore pre–Marco Polo Bridge status. After Shanghai fell, Chiang's rigidity softened.   On December 5, at Hankou, the National Defense Conference agreed to begin peace negotiations based on Trautmann's terms, a decision Chiang approved. But it was too late: Nanjing fell on December 13, and a provisional Beiping government led by Wang Kemin was established, signaling Japan's growing support for regional separatism. On December 24, Japan issued an ultimatum for a harsher deal to be accepted by January 10. In response, Chiang resigned as chairman of the Executive Yuan on January 1, 1938, and was succeeded by his brother-in-law Kong Xiangxi. Chiang declared that death in defeat was preferable to death in disgrace and refused to yield under coercion. The Konoe Cabinet announced on January 16 that Japan would not negotiate with Chiang Kai-shek. Trautmann's mediation had failed.   After Konoe's announcement, mediation became even more precarious, as it placed the already deadly, no-win situation between the two nations in deeper jeopardy. Secret contacts between the two governments persisted through multiple channels—sometimes at the direction of their own leaders, other times at the initiative of a cadre of officials and quasi-official figures of dubious legitimacy. Many of these covert efforts were steered by Chiang himself. In late 1937, Wang Jingwei even sent Chen Gongbo to Rome to explore the possibility of Italian mediation between China and Japan. After meetings with Mussolini and Foreign Minister Ciano, Chen concluded that Italy had no genuine goodwill toward China and favored Japan. His conversations with other Western leaders (Belgium, France, Britain, and the United States) proved equally fruitless. In diaries, Zhou Fohai and Chen Kewen recorded a pervasive mood of pessimism among Hankou and Chongqing's national government factions. Although direct champions of negotiating with Japan were few, many voices insisted that China was on the brink of collapse while secretly hoping peace talks would begin soon. Gao Zongwu's mission emerged from this tense atmosphere.   With Konoe's cabinet refusing to negotiate with Chiang Kai-shek, many regarded Wang as the best candidate to carry forward a diplomatic solution. Yet Wang remained convinced of his loyalty to Chiang and to Chiang's policy. The Italian ambassador visited Wuhan to offer mediation between Wang and the Japanese government, an invitation Wang declined. Tang Shaoyi's daughter traveled to Wuhan to convey Tokyo's negotiation intent, but was similarly turned away. Even Chen Bijun, then in Hong Kong, urged Wang to join her and start peace negotiations; he again declined. Tao Xisheng remembered a quiet night when Wang confided in him: "This time I will cooperate with Mr. Chiang until the very end, regardless of how the war unfolds." His stance did not change when Gao Zongwu reported that the Imperial Japanese Army General Staff Office wanted him to head the peace talks.   Gao Zongwu's bid was brokered by Dong Daoning, head of the Japan Affairs Section in the Foreign Ministry. Shortly after Konoe's statement, Dong traveled to Shanghai to meet Nishi Yoshiaki, representative of Mantetsu, and Matsumoto Shigeharu, a Dōmei News Agency journalist. Nishi and Matsumoto then introduced Dong to Kagesa Sadaaki, head of the Strategy and Tactics Department in the General Staff Office. Kagesa introduced Dong to Deputy Director Tada Hayao and colleagues Ishiwara Kanji and Imai Takeo, who agreed that a peaceful resolution to the China crisis aligned with Japan's interests. It would be inaccurate to paint these figures as pacifists: Ishiwara, who helped build Manchukuo, also recognized that further incursions into China could jeopardize Japan's hard-won gains. They proposed a temporary resignation by Chiang to spare Konoe from having to retract his refusal to negotiate, thereby allowing Wang to lead the talks. In short, the scheme aimed to save face for Konoe.   Dong returned to Hong Kong and delivered the proposal to Gao Zongwu, who had been stationed there since February under Chiang's orders to oversee intelligence and liaison with Japan. Luo Junqiang, Gao's contact, testified that Gao was paid monthly from Chiang's secret military fund. Gao went back to Hankou twice, on April 2 and May 30. On the second trip, he personally conveyed Japan's terms to Chiang. Gao later admitted that Chiang never gave him explicit instructions, but rather cultivated an impression of tacit approval. At no point did Gao view the deal as Chiang's betrayal. As long as Chiang retained control of the military, Wang's leadership could only be nominal and temporary. Unbeknownst to Wang, Gao's personal ties to Chiang remained hidden from him; he learned of them only through Zhou Fohai. Startled, he handed the information to Chiang Kai-shek and told Tao Xisheng: "I cannot broker peace with Japan alone. I will not deceive Mr. Chiang." Given Tao's later departure from Wang's circle to rejoin Chiang, Tao's recollection could be trusted.   Two months later, Wang left Chongqing to pursue a peace settlement. A key factor may have been persistent lobbying by Zhou, Gao, Mei, Tao, and especially his wife Chen Bijun. Luo Junqiang recalled that Kong Xiangxi objected that Gao acted without him, prompting Chiang to order Gao to halt his covert efforts, an order Gao ignored. Gao and Mei Siping continued to press for a deal. Gao even spent three weeks in Japan in July, holding extensive talks with Kagesa Sadaaki and Imai Takeo. Their discussions produced the first substantive articulation of the Wang peace movement as a Sino-Japanese plot to end the "China incident." On November 26, Mei flew from Hong Kong to Chongqing with a draft of Japan's terms and Konoe's planned announcement. The proposal stated that the Japanese army would withdraw completely within two years once peace was reached, but it demanded that China formally recognize Manchukuo. Wang was to leave Chongqing for Kunming by December 5, then proceed to Hanoi. Upon Japan receiving news of his arrival in Hanoi, the telegram would reveal the peace terms. This pivotal moment threw Wang into intense inner turmoil. Zhou Fohai visited Wang daily, and Wang delayed decisively each time, much to Zhou's frustration. Ultimately, it seemed that Chen Bijun rendered the final judgment on Wang's behalf. As in earlier episodes, Wang found himself trapped by an idealized image of himself held by family, followers, and loyalists, seen by them as a larger-than-life figure who must undertake a mission too grand to fail.   Yet Wang's stance was not purely involuntary. As Imai Takeo noted, he fundamentally disagreed with Chiang's strategy of resistance. The so-called scorched-earth approach caused immense suffering. Three episodes stood out: the 1938 Yellow River flood, ordered by Chiang to impede Japan's advance, which destroyed dikes and displaced millions, yielding devastating agricultural and humanitarian consequences; the subsequent epidemics and famine that followed, producing about two million refugees and up to nine hundred thousand deaths, while failing to stop the Japanese advance toward Wuhan (which fell in October); and the Changsha fire, ignited in the early hours of November 13, which killed nearly thirty thousand people and devastated most of the city. These events sharpened Wang's doubts about Chiang's defense strategy, especially its reckless execution and cruelty. By late November, Wang began to openly challenge Chiang's approach, delivering a series of speeches advocating his own war-weariness and preference for limiting resistance to preserve national strength for future counterstrikes. He argued that guerrilla warfare burdened the people and wasted national resources that could be saved for a later, more effective defense. He urged soldiers to exercise judgment and listen to their consciences, and he attributed much of the civilian suffering to the Communists; nonetheless, with General von Falkenhausen, Chiang's German adviser, now urging a shift toward smaller-unit mobile warfare, Wang's critique of Chiang's strategy took on a more pointed, risksome tone. If resistance equaled total sacrifice, Wang was not prepared to endorse it. As Margherita Zanasi noted, Wang Jingwei and Chen Gongbo had long shared a vision of a self-consciously anti-imperial "national economy", the belief that China's economy had not yet achieved genuine nation-power and that compromising with the foe might be necessary to save the national economy.   Wang and Zhou also worried that continuing resistance would strengthen the Communists and that genuine international aid would not arrive, at least not soon. After Nazi Germany occupied Czechoslovakia, Wang briefly hoped for the formation of an antifascist democratic alliance. Yet the Munich Agreement disappointed him. Viewing Western democracies as culturally imperialist, he doubted they would jeopardize their relations with Japan, another imperial power, on China's behalf. This view was reinforced by Zhou Fohai and other China specialists who had recently joined Wang's circle; they argued that China would fall unless the international situation shifted dramatically. Their forecast would prove accurate only after Pearl Harbor.   In the end, Wang longed for decisive action. He had been sidelined since the government's move to Wuhan. At the GMD Provisional National Congress in Hankou (March 29–April 1), the party resolved to restore Chiang Kai-shek to near-total control by reasserting the authoritarian zongcai system. The Congress also established the People's Political Council as a nominal nod to democracy, but it remained largely consultative. Wang was elected deputy director and chairman of the council, yet he clearly resented the position. Jiang Tingfu described Wang's Hankou mood as "somewhat resentful," recognizing the role as largely ceremonial. More optimistic observers attributed his dismay to the return of dictatorship, and he likely felt increasingly useless. Since the Mukden Incident, Wang had prioritized party unity and been content to play a secondary role to Chiang, but inaction did not fit his sense of historical purpose. It was Zhou Fohai who urged Wang to risk his reputation for a greater cause, presenting a calculated nudge to someone susceptible to idealism. A longing to find meaning through action may have finally pushed him toward a fateful decision. As Chen Bijun bluntly told Long Yun, her husband "was merely an empty shell in Chongqing and could contribute nothing to the country; thus he wanted to change his surroundings."   Wang considered staying abroad as a serious option amid the Hanoi uncertainty. Gao Zongwu had previously told Japanese negotiators that if Konoe's stance did not satisfy Wang, he might head to France. Chongqing echoed this possibility. On December 29, Ambassador Guo Taiqi, acting on Chiang's orders, telegraphed Wang suggesting he go to Europe "to take a break." It would have offered a graceful exit. Kagesa recommended Hanoi as Wang Jingwei's midway station because, as a French colony, it offered a relatively safe environment. Only the French were armed there, and several members of the extended Wang family had grown up in France, enabling them to communicate with the colonial authorities.   After Wang departed for Hanoi, Long Yun hesitated for weeks. On December 20, he telegraphed Chiang, saying Wang had paused in Kunming on the way to Hanoi to seek medical treatment. Knowing this was untrue, Chiang replied on December 27 with a stern warning about Japan's unreliability, a message that appeared to have persuaded Long. A day later, Long urged leniency for Wang. Following Wang's publication of the "yan telegram," public anger likely pushed Long toward a final decision. On January 6, he informed Chiang of a letter from Wang delivered by Chen Changzu, and he noted that the Wangs were considering the French option, but recommended allowing Wang to return to Chongqing to show leniency and to enable surveillance.   Chiang replied two days later that Wang would be better off going to Europe. The extended Wang family resided in two Western-style mansions at 25 and 27 Rue Riz Marché, surrounded by high walls. On February 15, Chongqing's envoy Gu Zhengding brought their passports to Hanoi. Accounts differed on what happened next. One version had Wang offering to travel abroad if Chongqing accepted his proposal to start peace talks; if Chongqing remained indecisive, he would return to voice his dissent. Another version claimed Gu's primary task was to bring Wang back to Chongqing, which Wang declined, preferring France.   Although the French option was gaining favor, the Wang circle continued to explore other avenues. In early 1939, secret contacts with the Japanese government persisted, though not always in a coordinated way. Chiang's intelligence advised that the Wang group was forming networks in Shanghai and especially Hong Kong, with Gao Zongwu playing a central role. On February 1, Gao returned from Hong Kong and stayed for five days, finding Wang in a despondent mood. Wang asked Gao to pass along a few letters to Japanese leaders urging the creation of a unified Chinese government to earn the Chinese people's understanding and trust. Wang believed his actions would serve the best interests of both China and Japan. On March 18, the Japanese consulate in Hong Kong informed Gao that funding for the Wang group would come from China's customs revenues that Japan had seized.   Meanwhile, Chiang Kai-shek sensed a shift in the war's direction. On February 10, Japan seized Hainan, China's southernmost major island. The next day, Chiang held a press conference describing the development as "the Mukden Incident of the Pacific." He warned that Japan's ambitions could threaten British and French colonial interests and U.S. maritime supremacy. Gao Zongwu read the speech and concluded that Chiang's outlook had brightened.   For three months, the Wang circle met frequently to weigh options. The prominent writer and scholar Zhou Zuoren, who had already accepted a collaborationist post as head of the Beiping library, warned Tao Xisheng, saying "Don't do it," signaling his misgivings about collaborating with Japan based on his reading of Japanese politics. As Zhou observed, many young Japanese militarists did not even respect General Ugaki, let alone a foreign leader.   Then the assassination of Zeng Zhongming, Wang's secretary and protégé, abruptly altered the meaning of Wang's mission. The Wang group was deeply unsettled by Zeng Zhongming's assassination. The event came as a shock. On March 20, Gu Zhengding's second Hanoi visit concluded. Allegedly Gu delivered passports and funds for a European excursion. On a bright spring day, the entire Wang family enjoyed a lighthearted outing to Three Peaches Beach, only to be halted by a French officer who warned they were being followed. During their afternoon rest, a man posing as a painter, sent by the landlord to measure rooms for payment, appeared at the door and was turned away when he insisted on entering every room. More than twenty people in the household, none were armed.   Since January, Hanoi had been a hive of BIS activity. The ringleader was Chen Gongshu, a veteran operative under spymaster Dai Li, though Chen's recollections clashed with those of other witnesses, leaving the exact sequence unclear. Chen claimed their role was intelligence and surveillance until March 19, when an unsigned telegram from Dai Li ordered, "Severest punishment to the traitor Wang Jingwei, immediately!" The mission supposedly shifted. The Wang family was followed the next day but evaded capture in traffic, prompting a raid on the house. Reports varied: some said Wang resided on the second floor of No. 27; others suggested he lived in No. 25, with No. 27 used for day guests. The force entered the courtyard, forced open the door to Wang's room, and a getaway car waited outside. Chen, in the car, heard gunshots: initial shots toward a downstairs figure, then three shots through a bedroom door hacked open with an axe, aimed at a figure beneath the bed, believed to be Wang Jingwei. The team drove off after four to five minutes. Vietnamese police soon detained three killers who lingered in the courtyard and even listened in on a hospital call. Chen didn't realize the target had been misidentified until the next afternoon. Some BIS records suggested Wang and Zeng Zhongming had swapped bedrooms that night, a detail Chen doubted. Chen did not mention a painter's earlier visit.   There were competing accounts of the event with their numerous inconsistencies that fueled conspiracy theories. Jin Xiongbai outlined three possibilities: (1) the killers killed the "wrong person" as a warning to Wang Jingwei; (2) they killed Zeng to provoke Wang toward collaboration; or (3) the episode was always part of a broader Chiang-Wang collaboration plan.   In any case, Dai Li showed unusual leniency toward Chen Gongshu, who was never punished and later led the Shanghai station. After Dai Li's agent Li Shiqun was captured in 1941, Li not only spared Chen's life but recruited him on a double-agent basis for the remainder of the war, with Chen retiring to Taiwan. Chiang Kai-shek never discussed the case publicly or in his diary, and his silence was perhaps the strongest indication that he ordered the killing.   I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. Wang Jingwei, once a key figure in China's resistance against Japan, grew disillusioned with Chiang Kai-shek's scorched-earth tactics during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Amid devastating events like the Yellow River flood and Changsha fire, which caused immense civilian suffering, Wang joined a peace faction advocating negotiation. Secret talks with Japanese officials led to his defection in 1938. He fled Chongqing to Hanoi, where an assassination attempt, likely ordered by Chiang, killed his secretary Zeng Zhongming instead.   

For review:1. On Sunday, citing “a senior source close to the new Iranian leader,” Kuwait's Al-Jarida news outlet reported that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei had been smuggled out of Iran in a secretive Russian operation on Thursday to receive medical treatment in Moscow for injuries sustained in the same airstrikes that killed his father and wife on the first day of the ongoing US-Israeli offensive.2. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Sunday that Tehran had neither requested a ceasefire nor sought negotiations with Washington.3. Iran's relations with Arab Gulf states will require a “serious review” in light of the US-Israeli war on Iran, limiting the power of external actors so the region can become prosperous, Tehran's ambassador to Saudi Arabia told Reuters on Sunday.Asked if he was concerned that relations would be harmed by the war, Ambassador Alireza Enayati said: “It's a valid question, and the answer may be simple. 4. The Israel Defense Forces' campaign in the joint war with the United States against Iran is proceeding according to plan, and at a faster pace than initially expected, military officials said on Sunday.Despite being apparently ahead of schedule, the military has said it is preparing for at least three more weeks of operations in Iran, as it still has thousands more targets to hit, both in Tehran and in other parts of the country.The IDF is now focusing its efforts on destroying Iran's military industry, according to the officials. 5. US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speak today about the “importance” of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, currently blocked by Iran, the UK leader's office says.6. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar denied reports on Sunday that Israel and Lebanon are set to hold direct talks in the coming days amid the fighting with Hezbollah, and demanded that Beirut first act against the terror group on its soil.7. As the United Arab Emirates confronts a large number of attacks from Iran, the small Gulf nation just to Iran's south appears to be sharing less information about how successful its air defenses have been in recent days.8. The Australian government announced on March 10 it would send an E-7A Wedgetail early-warning aircraft to the Middle East and help replenish United Arab Emirates stocks of AIM-120 air-to-air missiles.9. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry issued a response on March 14 after Iranian politician Ebrahim Azizi called Ukrainian territory "a legitimate target for Iran" in a social media post.Ukraine's Foreign Ministry called the threat "absurd" in a statement from a Spokesperson to the media."The Iranian regime has been supporting the murder of Ukrainians for years, by directly sharing drones and technology for Russian aggression against Ukraine," 

Iran's Foreign Ministry has said at a news conference that there's currently no room for ceasefire talks; stating that as long as attacks continue, there is "no point to talk about anything but defence and retaliation against enemies".Tara Kangarlou, Global Affairs Journalist and author of ‘The Heartbeat of Iran' joins Shane to discuss…

March, 8 2026, 7 AM; Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia said they are continuing to fight off Iranian drone and missile attacks. The UAE says Iran has fired 16 ballistic missiles and 117 drones in new barrages. Iran's Foreign Ministry said its defensive operations against U.S. military bases in the region will continue, but the attacks should not be construed as hostility toward neighboring countries. Nancy Youssef, Meghan O'Sullivan, and Jon Finer join The Weekend to discuss the going war in the region. For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnow TikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A round-up of the main headlines in Sweden on March 2nd 2026. You can hear more reports on our homepage www.radiosweden.se, or in the app Sveriges Radio. Presenter/Producer: Kris Boswell.

The Iranian Red Crescent Society says the U.S.-Israeli strikes have killed over 550 people in Iran so far (01:04). China says more than 3,000 of its nationals have left Iran and one has been killed in the air strikes so far (11:20). A spokesperson for the upcoming annual session of China's national legislature will unveil the session's agenda on Wednesday (22:06).

China firmly opposes and strongly condemns the attack on Iran and the killing of its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by the United States and Israel, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Sunday, while experts warned that the joint military strikes will have far-reaching repercussions in the region and the world.外交部发言人3月1日表示，中方坚决反对并强烈谴责美国和以色列对伊朗发动的袭击以及刺杀伊朗最高领袖哈梅内伊的行为。专家警告称，此次联合军事行动将对该地区乃至全世界产生深远影响。Calling the attack a grave violation of Iran's sovereignty and security, the spokesperson said it also tramples on the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and basic norms governing international relations. "We urge an immediate stop to the military operations, no further escalation of the tense situation, and joint effort to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East and the world at large," the spokesperson added.发言人在回答记者提问时表示，袭击并杀害伊朗最高领导人，严重侵犯伊朗主权安全，践踏《联合国宪章》宗旨原则和国际关系基本准则，中方对此予以坚决反对和强烈谴责。"我们敦促立即停止军事行动，避免紧张事态进一步升级，共同维护中东和世界和平稳定。"发言人强调。The US-Israeli airstrikes, which entered a second day on Sunday, have killed more than 200 people in Iran, including Khamenei, 86, and dozens of students at a girls' primary school in the southern part of the country, according to Iranian authorities.据伊朗官方证实，美以空袭进入第二天，已造成伊朗境内200余人死亡，包括86岁的最高领袖哈梅内伊，以及该国南部一所女子小学的数十名学生。The joint strikes have drawn the Middle East into unknown territory, as Iran has retaliated by firing missiles targeting Israel and 27 US military bases in the region.此次联合打击使中东地区局势进入未知境地，伊朗已向以色列及该地区27处美军基地发射导弹作为报复。The attack has opened a dangerous new chapter in terms of US intervention in Iran, marking the second time in over eight months that the US and Israel have attacked Iran amid negotiations over its nuclear program.此次袭击开启了美国干预伊朗事务的危险新篇章，这是八个多月以来，美以在其核计划谈判期间第二次对伊朗发动袭击。On Sunday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi sharply criticized the strikes in a telephone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, calling for an immediate cessation of US-Israel military operations in Iran, a prompt return to dialogue and negotiations, and joint opposition to such unilateral actions. Wang said that China has consistently advocated adherence to the principles and purposes of the UN Charter and is opposed to the use of force in international relations.3月1日，外交部长王毅同俄罗斯外长拉夫罗夫通电话时严厉批评了此次袭击行动。王毅呼吁立即停止军事行动，尽快重回对话谈判，共同反对单边行径。王毅表示，中方一贯主张遵守联合国宪章宗旨原则，反对在国际关系中使用武力。The blatant killing of a leader of a sovereign state and the incitement of regime change are "unacceptable", he said, adding that these actions "violate international law and the basic norms governing international relations".在国际关系中动辄使用武力，公然击杀一个主权国家领导人、鼓动政权更迭，这种行为"不可接受"，他补充说，这些行为"违反了国际法和国际关系基本准则"。Noting that the conflict has spread throughout the Persian Gulf, Wang said the situation may be pushed into a dangerous abyss, and China is highly concerned about this. He emphasized that launching military strikes against a sovereign state without the authorization of the UN Security Council undermines the foundation for peace established after World War II.王毅指出，目前战事已延烧至整个波斯湾，中东局势有可能被推向危险的深渊，中方对此高度关切。他强调，未经联合国安理会授权对主权国家大打出手，破坏二战之后建立的和平根基。Wang called on the international community to clearly and unequivocally voice opposition to the world regressing to the law of the jungle.王毅呼吁国际社会应当发出明确、清晰声音，反对世界倒退回丛林法则。Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the killing of Khamenei was a "declaration of war against Muslims". Iran issued a statement vowing that this "great crime will never go unanswered", its official news agency IRNA reported.伊朗总统佩泽希齐扬表示，刺杀哈梅内伊是对"穆斯林的宣战"。伊朗官方通讯社援引伊方声明称，这一"重大罪行绝不会得不到回应"。Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera network on Sunday that a new supreme leader will be chosen in "one or two days". Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported that leadership duties would temporarily be assumed by the Iranian president, the judiciary chief and a jurist from the nation's Constitutional Council.伊朗外长阿拉格齐3月1日告诉半岛电视台，将在"一两天内"选出新的最高领袖。伊朗塔斯尼姆通讯社报道，领导职责将暂时由伊朗总统、司法部长和宪法监护委员会的一名法学家共同承担。Local media reports quoted Iran's Revolutionary Guard as saying that the Strait of Hormuz — a vital waterway for oil and gas shipments — was restricted to vessels on Saturday.当地媒体报道援引伊朗革命卫队称，霍尔木兹海峡——这一至关重要的油气运输水道——已于2月28日对船只实施限制。Jasim Al-Azzawi, an analyst in Iraq, said the conflict already looked broader and deeper than the 12-day Israel-Iran war in June last year.伊拉克分析人士阿扎维表示，此次冲突的广度和深度已经超过去年6月以色列与伊朗为期12天的战争。The recent strikes "followed mediators' announcement of a significant 'breakthrough' in negotiations", with talks set to resume last week, Al-Azzawi told Al Jazeera, adding that "clearly, diplomacy was never meant to succeed and was merely used to mask war plans".他指出，最近的袭击发生在调解人宣布谈判取得重大"突破"之后，原定上周恢复谈判，"显然，外交从未真正打算成功，只是用来掩盖战争计划的幌子"。"From the timing of the attack, it is apparent that Washington and Tel Aviv had already made up their minds weeks ago. Iran's readiness to retaliate across the region suggests it is willing to wage a long war rather than compromise," he added."从袭击时机来看，华盛顿和特拉维夫显然数周前就已下定决心。伊朗准备在整个地区进行报复，这表明它愿意打一场持久战，而不是妥协。"他补充道。Sun Degang, director of Fudan University's Center for Middle Eastern Studies in Shanghai, said the previous rounds of talks between the US and Iran appear to have been a mere delaying tactic, giving time for US-Israeli military deployments.复旦大学中东研究中心主任孙德刚分析认为，前几轮美伊谈判似乎只是拖延战术，为美以军事部署争取时间。"The US and Israel, seeking a pretext for military action against Iran, used the talks to enable the deployment of two US aircraft carriers to the Middle East," he said."美国和以色列在寻求对伊朗采取军事行动的借口时，利用谈判促成了两艘美国航母向中东的部署。"Sun added that the recent strikes in Iran may be the beginning of a full-scale conflict, as this time, Iran's determination to retaliate is significantly greater, potentially leading to the mobilization of its full capabilities to counter US-Israeli actions".他表示，此次对伊朗的打击可能是全面冲突的开端，因为这一次伊朗报复的决心明显更大，可能会调动全部能力来反击美以行动。Yan Wei, deputy director of the Institute of Middle Eastern Studies at China's Northwest University, pointed out that Iran's retaliatory actions may lead to the US and Israel taking further escalatory measures.西北大学中东研究所副所长闫伟指出，伊朗的报复行动可能导致美以采取进一步升级措施。"In addition to intensifying military strikes and potentially expanding the range of targets, the US and Israel may further tighten economic sanctions on Iran, and step up information campaigns aimed at weakening the Iranian government's domestic and international standing," he said."除了加强军事打击和可能扩大目标范围外，美以可能进一步收紧对伊朗的经济制裁，并加大信息宣传力度，以削弱伊朗政府在国内外地位。"Emphasizing that the US-Israeli strikes in Iran constitute violations of the UN principles and international law, Yan urged nations in the Global South, as well as the UN, to unite to promote peace, end the conflict and resolve the Iranian nuclear issue through political means.他强调美以在伊朗的打击行为违反联合国原则和国际法，敦促全球南方国家以及联合国团结起来，促进和平，结束冲突，通过政治手段解决伊朗核问题。far-reaching repercussion /ˈfɑːˈriːtʃɪŋ ˌriːpəˈkʌʃən/深远影响grave violation /ɡreɪv ˌvaɪəˈleɪʃən/严重侵犯retaliate /rɪˈtælieɪt/报复blatant /ˈbleɪtənt/公然的incitement of regime change /ɪnˈsaɪtmənt ɒv reɪˈʒiːm tʃeɪndʒ/煽动政权更迭abyss /əˈbɪs/深渊unequivocally /ˌʌnɪˈkwɪvəkəli/明确地

Ali Velshi continues MS NOW's special coverage of U.S. and Israelis military strikes against Iran; America's adversarial history with Iran goes back decades; and the spokesman for Iran's foreign ministry calls the U.S.-led attacks an “unwarranted act of aggression.” To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cormac Smith has worked in Public Relations and Corporate Communications for over three decades. In 2016 he traveled to Ukraine to take up a special appointment as the ‘Strategic Communication Advisor' to Pavlo Klimkin, then the Foreign Minister of Ukraine. He was attached to the British Embassy in Kyiv but was embedded in Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the first foreigner to hold such a position. While in Kyiv, he also advised and provided training for five other government ministries and worked directly with three other cabinet ministers: Health, Education and the Deputy Prime Minister. ----------LINKS:https://defencebrink.uk/https://x.com/CormacS63https://x.com/philipingmbe----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------A REQUEST FOR HELP!I'm heading back to Kyiv this week, to film, do research and conduct interviews. The logistics and need for equipment and clothing are a little higher than for my previous trips. It will be cold, and may be dark also. If you can, please assist to ensure I can make this trip a success. My commitment to the audience of the channel, will be to bring back compelling interviews conducted in Ukraine, and to use the experience to improve the quality of the channel, it's insights and impact. Let Ukraine and democracy prevail! https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrashttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformationNONE OF THIS CAN HAPPEN WITHOUT YOU!So what's next? We're going to Kyiv in January 2026 to film on the ground, and will record interviews with some huge guests. We'll be creating opportunities for new interviews, and to connect you with the reality of a European city under escalating winter attack, from an imperialist, genocidal power. PLEASE HELP ME ME TO GROW SILICON CURTAINWe are planning our events for 2026, and to do more and have a greater impact. After achieving more than 12 events in 2025, we will aim to double that! 24 events and interviews on the ground in Ukraine, to push back against weaponized information, toxic propaganda and corrosive disinformation. Please help us make it happen!----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------DESCRIPTION:Cormac Smith on Ukraine: Why “As Long As It Takes” Is Not a StrategyJonathan interviews communications veteran Cormac Smith, formerly embedded in Ukraine's Foreign Ministry as a strategic communications adviser, on the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. Smith argues the West should have said “with Ukraine until they win,” criticizing “as long as it takes” as planless and enabling slow-walked, constrained military aid and excessive fear of Putin's nuclear threats. ----------

A Foreign Ministry spokesperson said China firmly opposes all forms of terrorism and supports the Pakistani government's efforts to safeguard national security, maintain stability, and protect its people.

Freestyle skiers Marielle Thompson and Mikaël Kingsbury are Team Canada's flag bearers for the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympic Games. Economists expect latest Bank of Canada interest rate to hold at 2.25%. Minnesota Democratic congresswoman Ilhan Omar attacked during town hall, as tensions over ICE operations remain high. Ecuador's Foreign Ministry says ICE agents tried to enter the country's consulate in Minneapolis. A lot of talk about Canadian Unity but some divided meetings with Prime Minister Mark Carney as the country's Premiers gather in Ottawa. Police say it will be harder to solve cold cases after Ancestry.com bans law enforcement from using its services without a court order. 55th Annual JUNO Awards add new category: Latin Music Recording of the Year.

Right -wing members of the coalition think Israel should leave the World Health Organization (WHO). The Foreign Ministry announced that it opposes Israel's withdrawal from the organization, aligning itself with the Ministry of Health, the Israel Medical Association and senior figures in the health system who have protested the planned move. "There is a public interest in Israel remaining part of the organization, and it concerns public health and information sharing," said Nina Ben Ami, Deputy Director General for the UN and International Organizations at the Foreign Ministry, during a discussion held at the Knesset Health Committee. Also participating in the health committee discussion was Professor Haggai Levine, Chair of the Israeli Association of Public Health Physicians, who spoke to KAN's Mark Weiss. (Photo: Reuters)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last time we spoke about the climax of the battle of Changkufeng. A 7–10 August clash near Changkufeng and Hill 52 saw a brutal, multi-front Soviet push against Japanese positions in the Changkufeng–Hill 52 complex and adjacent areas. The Korea Army and Imperial forces rapidly reinforced with artillery, long-range 15 cm and other pieces, to relieve pressure. By 7–8 August, Soviet assault waves, supported by tanks and aircraft, intensified but Japanese defenses, including engineers, machine-gun fire, and concentrated artillery, prevented a decisive breakthrough at key positions like Noguchi Hill and the Changkufeng spine.  By 9–10 August, continued Japanese counterfire, improved artillery neutralization, and renewed defenses kept Hill 52 and Changkufeng in Japanese control, though at heavy cost. The frontline exhaustion and looming strategic concerns prompted calls for intensified replacements and potential diplomatic considerations. It seemed like the battle was coming to an end.   #184 The Lake Khasan Truce Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. The casualties were atrocious for both sides, yet they continued to mobilize more forces to the conflict area. While the Russians appeared uninterested in all-out war, they were not rushing to settle the crisis through diplomacy and, at the front, were launching "reckless" counterattacks at inconvenient locations, presumably to occupy positions useful for bargaining. The local Soviet military, having ceded the hills at the outset, must also have been anxious about its prestige. The Kwantung Army's potential threat to the flank undoubtedly made the Russians nervous. Although the leading echelon of the 104th Division did not reach Hunchun until the evening of 13 August, Japanese intelligence heard that the Red Army Headquarters staff at Khabarovsk had detected movements of Kwantung Army elements around 10 August and had been compelled to take countermeasures: they reinforced positions along the eastern and northern Manchurian frontiers, concentrated the air force, ordered move-up preparations by ground forces in the Blagoveshchensk district, and commandeered most of the motor vehicles in the Amur Province. By shifting its main strength to the eastern front, the Kwantung Army exerted, as intended, a silent pressure. The covert objective was to restrain and divert the Russians and to assist Japanese diplomacy, not to provoke war. Nevertheless, an American correspondent who visited the Changkufeng area in mid-August privately reported that the Kwantung Army was massing large numbers of troops near the border and expected further trouble.  Toward its weak neighbor in Korea the Kwantung Army rendered every support. Apart from its major demonstration in eastern Manchuria, the Kwantung Army promptly sent whatever reinforcements of artillery, engineers, and other units that Seoul had desired. Being also intimately involved in anti-Soviet military preparations, the Kwantung Army understandably wanted the latest and most authentic information on Russian Army theory and practice. The Changkufeng Incident furnished such a firsthand opportunity, and the professional observers sent from Hsinking were well received at the front. Military classmate ties contributed to the working relationships between the armies. As one division officer put it, the teams from the Kwantung Army came as "friends," not only to study the battlefield by their respective branches of service but also to assist the front-line forces; "the Kwantung Army was increasingly helpful to us in settling the incident." Foreign Minister Ugaki felt that the pressure of troop movements in Manchuria played a major part in the Russians' eventual decision to conclude a cease-fire. From Inada's viewpoint, it had been a "fine and useful demonstration against the Soviet Union." Pinned at Changkufeng, the Russians did not or could not choose to react elsewhere, too. Army General Staff officers believed that clear and consistent operational guidance furnished by Tokyo produced good results, although the fighting had been very hard for the front-line Japanese troops because of the insistence on exclusive defense, the curbs on interference by the Kwantung Army, and the prohibition on the use of aircraft. It had been close, however. Only by conscious efforts at restraint had the small war at Changkufeng been kept from spilling over into neighboring areas. Escalation of combat in early August had caused the Japanese government to try to break the diplomatic impasse while localizing the conflict. On 2 August Premier Konoe assured the Emperor that he intended to leave matters for diplomacy and to suspend military operations as soon as possible, an approach with which the government concurred. The Changkufeng dispute had been accorded priority, preceding overall settlements and the creation of joint commissions to redefine the borders. On the 3rd, after coordinating with the military, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised Shigemitsu that the front-line situation had become "extremely critical" and that a quick suspension of fighting action should be proposed. Soviet and Japanese troops should be pulled back to the setup as of 30 July.  In the midst of the Changkufeng Incident, the USSR intensified harassing tactics against the last Japanese consulates located within the Soviet Union. Forty-eight hour ultimatums to quit the country were delivered to the consuls at Khabarovsk and Blagoveshchensk on 3 and 4 August, respectively. Although the Japanese government warned that it might retaliate, the Russians were unyielding. The foreign ambassadors, Mamoru Shigemitsu and Maxim Litvinov met on August 4th, whereupon Shigemitsu argued, the best procedure would be to suspend military operations on both sides and to restore the status quo. Litvinov in a long manner explained the stance of the USSR as Shigemitsu put it "the Soviet side had a disposition to cease fighting, provided that conditions were satisfactory."  The Russians were stalling at the very time the Red Army was bending every effort to retake Changkufeng. Coordination between the Army, Navy, and Foreign Ministers produced cease-fire conditions which were rushed to the Japanese ambassador on 6 August. Two alternate lines were proposed, to which both armies would pull back. After the creation of a buffer zone, discussions could begin concerning delineation of boundaries in the region of the incident. The Hunchun pact could be the basis for deliberations, demarcation to be effected by joint investigations on the spot in consultation with documents in the possession of Manchukuo and the USSR; the Japanese would serve only as observers. Shigemitsu conferred once more with Litvinov for three and a half hours on 7 August, but no progress was made. Litvinov insisted that a clash could be averted only if Japanese forces pulled However Litvinov's positive reaction to the idea of a demarcation commission was seen as a good sign.  On August the 10th, both sides seemed to have reached a similar conclusion that a cease-fire needed to rapidly be implemented. At 11pm that night Litvinov called the embassy, asking for Shigemitus to see him as fast as possible. Shigemitsu arrived around midnight whereupon Litvinov showed him a draft of a final accord: 1. Japanese and Soviet forces shall cease all military activities on 11 August at noon local time. Instructions to that effect are to be issued immediately by the governments of the USSR and Japan.  2. Japanese as well as Soviet troops shall remain on those lines which they occupied at midnight local time on 10 August.  3. For redemarcation of the portion of frontier in dispute, there shall be created a mixed commission of two representatives from the USSR and two representatives from the Japanese-Manchurian side, with an umpire selected by agreement of both parties from among citizens of a third state.  4. The commission for redemarcation shall work on the basis of agreements and maps bearing the signatures of plenipotentiary representatives of Russia and China. Shigemitsu agreed to the inclusion of a Japanese commissioner on the Manchukuoan delegation, but he could not assent to the addition of a neutral umpire. Moscow received the news of the truce with gratification mingled with surprise. Few realized that the USSR had taken the step of appeasing or at least saving face for the Japanese even after Shigemitsu had pleaded for and won a cease-fire. The world was told by the Russians only that specific overtures for cessation of hostilities had originated with the Soviet authorities. In general, it was not difficult to guess why the Russian government, distracted by the European political scene and apprehensive about a two-front war, agreed to a cease-fire at Changkufeng.  The slowness of communication across the many miles between Moscow and Tokyo did nothing to alleviate nervousness in the Japanese capital during the night of 10–11 August. Ugaki wrote in his diary that, "after ten days of tension, the struggle between the Japanese and Soviet armies on the USSR–Manchukuo border had reached the decisive brink". Complicating the situation was the fact that, late on 10 August, the president of Domei News Agency conveyed to Konoe a message from one of his Moscow correspondents. Purporting to sum up Shigemitsu's latest outlook, the report stated that success in the negotiations seemed unlikely. The contents of the message were transmitted to Ugaki and Itagaki. Consequently, Konoe and his associates spent a fearful and depressed night. Shigemitsu's own report, sent by telegram, arrived frustratingly slowly.  After definite information had been received from Shigemitsu, Harada happily called Kazami Akira, the prime minister's chief secretary, and Konoe himself. "Until the accord was implemented," Kazami had said, "we would have to be on the alert all day today." Konoe and Kazami seemed "a little relaxed anyhow." Inada had finally retired past midnight on 10–11 August, "agreement or no agreement. I must have been dozing from fatigue when the jangle of the phone got me up. It was a message saying that a truce had been concluded the preceding midnight. Just as I had been expecting, I said to myself, but I felt empty inside, as if it were an anticlimax." The call had to have been an unofficial communication, perhaps the latest Domei news, since the records showed that definitive word from the embassy in Moscow did not reach Tokyo until after 10:00. Attache Doi's report to the Army General Staff came at about 11:00. This was extremely late in terms of getting Japanese troops to cease operations at 13:00 Tokyo time (or noon on the spot); a tardy imperial order might undo the Moscow accord. Complicating this matter of split-second timing was the fact that the first official telegram from Shigemitsu referred to unilateral Japanese withdrawal by one kilometer. At the Japanese high command level, there was agitated discussion when initial word of these arrangements arrived. Inada speculated that on 10 August the Russians had staged persistent close-quarter assaults against Changkufeng and seized the southern edge eventually, although repulsed at all other points. Moscow may have agreed to a truce at that midnight because they expected that the crest of Changkufeng would be in their hands by then and that a fait accompli would have been achieved. Some officers argued that the Russian forces were suffering "quite badly and this caused the authorities' agreeability to a cease-fire." Most exasperating, however, was the provision stipulating a one-sided military withdrawal. Admittedly, such action had been under discussion by the Army General Staff itself, particularly after Terada's sobering appeal of 10 August. It was another matter to have a Japanese withdrawal dictated by the USSR while Russian troops did not have to budge. Initial puzzlement and chagrin began to yield to rationalization. The Japanese side seemed to have made a concession in the negotiations, but there must have been significance to the phrase which said, "the line occupied by Japanese forces has been taken into due consideration." Japanese troops had presumably advanced to the edge of the frontier, while Russian soldiers had not come even close. Thus, it must have been necessary to have the Japanese units withdraw first, to fix the boundaries, since it had been the Japanese who had done the greater advancing. One Japanese office remarked "A pull-back was a pull-back, no matter how you looked at things—and we were the ones who had to do it. But the atmosphere in the command had been far from optimistic on 10 August; so we decided that it was unnecessary to complain about this issue and we approved the agreement in general. Both the senior and junior staff levels seemed to be quite relieved." The 11th of August had been an awkward day to conduct liaison between the Foreign Ministry, the Army, and the Throne, since the Emperor was leaving Hayama to visit naval installations in the Yokosuka area and the navy air unit in Chiba from morning. By the time a conclusive report on the cease-fire could be conveyed to the monarch, he was aboard the destroyer Natsugumo at Kisarazu. Naval wireless facilities in Tokyo had to be used to transmit coded messages to Admiral Yonai, the Navy Minister, for delivery to the Emperor. This was done shortly before 14:45 According to Yonai, the Emperor "was very pleased and relieved when I reported to him… about the conclusion of the truce accord." The appropriate Imperial order was approved promptly. But not until 15:00, two hours after cease-fire time at Changkufeng, did word of Imperial sanction reach the high command.  Japanese soldiers in the lines recalled nothing special on 11 August. "We didn't hear about the truce till the last minute," said one, "and we had become so inured to enemy artillery we hardly noticed any 'last salute.' From Tokyo, on 11 August, it was reported that the Japanese side had suspended operations promptly at noon, as agreed, but that sporadic bursts of fire had continued to come from the Soviet side. Colonel Grebennik, when asked after the war whether the combat did end at noon, replied petulantly: "Yes, but not quite so. The fighting actually ceased at 12:05." According to him, the tardiness was the Japanese side's fault.  The Japanese press told readers that "the cease-fire bugle has sounded—the frontier is cheerful now, 14 days after the shooting began." All was quiet in the area of Changkufeng, where the sounds of firing ceased at noon "as if erased." The most intense period of stillness lasted only a few minutes and was followed by the excited chattering of soldiers, audible on both sides. Korea Army Headquarters spoke of the "lifting of dark clouds [and] return of the rays of peace." In Hongui, a Japanese combat officer told a Japanese correspondent: "Suddenly we noticed the insects making noise; the soldiers were delighted. Once the fighting stopped, Japanese national flags were hoisted here and there along our front. … After the Russians observed what we had done, they broke out red flags also, at various points in their trenches." Some Japanese soldiers were given cookies by Soviet medical corpsmen. At Hill 52, an infantryman remembered, the Japanese and the Russians were facing each other, 50 meters apart, that afternoon. "We just lay there and stared at each other for two hours, waiting grimly. But it was well past cease-fire now, and those same Russians finally started to wave at us. Later that day, when Soviet troops came to salvage their KO'd tanks, we 'chatted' in sign language." After the cease-fire, Ichimoto, whose battalion had seen the most difficult fighting, stuck his head above the trench and waved hello to some Soviet officers. "They waved back. It gave me an odd sensation, for during the furious struggle I had considered them to be barbarians. Now I was surprised to see that they were civilized after all!" A rifleman at Changkufeng remembered swapping watches with an unarmed Russian across the peak. The Japanese front-line troops stayed in their positions confronting the Russians and conducted preparations for further combat while cleaning up the battlefield. Soviet troops also remained deployed as of the time of the cease-fire and vigorously carried out their own construction. The day after the cease-fire went into effect, Suetaka escorted an American reporter to the front. At Changkufeng:  "carpenters were making wooden receptacles for the ashes of the Japanese dead. Funeral pyres still were smoldering. . . . From our vantage point the lieutenant general pointed out long lines of Soviet trucks coming up in clouds of dust [which] apparently were made deliberately in an effort to conceal the trucks' movements, [probably designed] to haul supplies from the front. Soviet boats were pushing across [Khasan] . . . and Soviet soldiers were towing smashed tanks back from no-man'sland. On the Japanese side there was a pronounced holiday spirit. Soldiers, emerging from dugouts, were drying white undershirts on near-by brush and bathing in the Tumen River. The soldiers were laughing heartily. A few were trying to ride a Korean donkey near Changkufeng's scarred slope. The general pointed out three Soviet tanks behind the Japanese advance lines east of Changkufeng. He said the Russians had hauled back seventy others [on the night of 11 August]. . . . The writer was shown a barbed wire fence immediately behind a wrecked village on the west slope of Changkufeng which the general said the Soviet troops built at the beginning of the fighting. Possiet Bay also was pointed out, clearly visible across the swamp." Soviet losses for what became known as the battle of Lake Khasan for the Russians and the Changkufeng incident for the Japanese, totaled 792 killed or missing and 3,279 wounded or sick, according to Soviet records. The Japanese claimed to have destroyed or immobilized 96 enemy tanks and 30 guns. Soviet armored losses were significant, with dozens of tanks knocked out or destroyed and hundreds of "tank troops" becoming casualties. Japanese casualties, as revealed by secret Army General Staff statistics, were 1,439 casualties, 526 killed or missing, 913 wounded; the Soviets claimed Japanese losses of 3,100, with 600 killed and 2,500 wounded. The Soviets concluded that these losses were due in part to poor communications infrastructure and roads, as well as the loss of unit coherence caused by weak organization, headquarters, commanders, and a lack of combat-support units. The faults in the Soviet army and leadership at Khasan were blamed on the incompetence of Blyukher. In addition to leading the troops into action at Khasan, Blyukher was also supposed to oversee the trans-Baikal Military District's and the Far Eastern fronts' move to combat readiness, using an administrative apparatus that delivered army group, army, and corps-level instructions to the 40th Rifle Division by accident. On 22 October, he was arrested by the NKVD and is thought to have been tortured to death. At 15:35 on 11 August, in the Hill 52 sector, high-ranking military delegates bearing a white flag emerged from the Soviet lines and proceeded to Akahage Hill, about 100 meters from the Japanese positions. Cho, as right sector chief, was notified. He sent three lieutenants to converse with the Russians; they learned that the Soviets wanted the Japanese to designate a time and place for a conference. This word was conveyed to Suetaka, who had already dispatched Lieutenant Kozuki to the heights east of Shachaofeng to contact the Russians. Around 4:20, the commander canceled Kozuki's mission and instructed Cho to reply that the delegation ought to convene near the peak of Changkufeng at 18:00 Cho set out promptly with several subordinates; they reached the Changkufeng crest a little before 6. The Russians then said they wanted to meet the Japanese near the Crestline southeast of Changkufeng, the excuse being that the peak was too far for them to go and that they could not arrive by the designated time. Cho took his team to the location requested by the Russians. There, the Japanese found 13 Soviet soldiers and a heavy machine gun on guard, but the Russian delegates had not arrived, although it was 6:18. The irked Japanese clocked a further delay of two minutes before the Russian truce chief, Gen. Grigory M. Shtern, rode up on horseback with a party of eight. Both delegations saluted, the chiefs and team members identified themselves, and all shook hands. The Soviet team was made up of Corps General 3rd rank Shtern, 38, chief of staff, Far East area army; Brigade Commissar Semenovsky political major general, 37 or 38; Colonel Fedotev, 42; and Major Wabilev, about 30. Interpreting for the Russians was Alexei Kim. In Colonel Cho's opinion, "It was always necessary to take the initiative in dealing with the Soviets. So, even in such matters as shaking hands or conversing, he always did things first." During the exchange of greetings, Cho teased Shtern about his bandaged forehead. "A Japanese artillery shell got you, didn't it?" he asked. But Cho began formal discussions on a more dignified note: "Cho: It is very much to be regretted that the Japanese and Soviet armies had to get involved in combat around Changkufeng. Nevertheless, I laud the consummation of the Mos­cow accord on the part of both governments. And, I must say, your forces were quite brave and patriotic. Shtern: I agree with you. The Japanese Army, too, was courageous and strong." Negotiations would go on at the local level and diplomatic level for many days. In Tokyo, on the morning of 13 August, Ugaki had gone to the Meiji shrine to "report" on the cease-fire and to express his gratitude. At 10:00, when received in Imperial audience, he discussed the Changkufeng Incident. "I humbly regret to have troubled Your Majesty so unduly in connection with an unimportant affair on the Soviet-Manchurian frontier" at a time when the monarch was confronted by grave national problems. A long and winding road lay ahead before the incident as a whole was settled, but a good start had been made and "we are going to be even more careful in handling matters, although the Soviet regime  consists of devious, vicious scoundrels." Recognition of the Japanese Army's performance was accorded by the highest authorities in the homeland. As soon as the fighting ceased, Kan'in transmitted a message of appreciation. The day after the cease-fire, the command in North Korea issued a generous communique: "We pay homage to the Japanese for defending themselves against 100 planes, 200 tanks, and 60 pieces of heavy artillery. Our admiration for the bravery of both armies is of the highest." At 14:00 on the 15th, Kan'in was received in audience and reported on the settlement of the crisis. Said the Emperor: "We are gratified by the fact that, during this incident at Changkufeng, Our officers and men achieved their mission fully and manifested prudence and forbearance while confronting difficult circumstances with small forces. Our profound condolences to the casualties. Convey this message to the officers and men." A wire was dispatched promptly to Nakamura. With Imperial use of the wording "Changkufeng Incident," the nomenclature for the affair was fixed in Japan. When the cabinet met on 16 August, the decision was reached officially. After the Changkufeng affair, Japanese officers claimed that the Soviets had dispatched tactical experts "to ascertain why their elite Far Eastern forces had not been able to achieve satisfactory results. They realize the urgency of this investigation in preparation for any great war." Specifically, the AGS heard that on the day of the cease-fire, Blyukher had sent an investigative team of commissars under Romanovsky to the scene. Japanese experts on the USSR speculated that the experience at Changkufeng ought indeed to have impressed the Red Army: "Our forces did seize the hill and hold it. After comparing the strengths involved ... the Russians may well have had to modify their estimates." According to one Japanese commentator, improvements in political leadership were judged imperative by the USSR, gainsaying claims that the Soviet Army had been strengthened through the purge of alleged Japanese tools. Soviet authorities would conclude "As a test of doctrine, the fighting had confirmed the correctness of the basic principles embodied in the 1936 Field Service Regulations." The Soviet infantry had paid dearly for this, as well as for the deficiencies in tactical training. Defense Commissar Voroshilov admitted, "We were not sufficiently quick in our tactics, and particularly in joint operations in dealing the enemy a concentrated blow." In the view of historian Mackintosh: "The Soviet success at Lake Khasan was bought at the cost of heavy casualties and exposed serious defects in the mobilization machinery and the training of troops. There can be little doubt that these factors checked to some extent the Soviet Government's overoptimistic estimate of its own military strength and cast doubt on the effectiveness of its policy of expansion in all fields of military organization". Writing a year and a half after Changkufeng, an Mainichi reporter observed that the greatest harvest from the incident was tangible Japanese experience in determining the fighting strength of the Russians. Purchased with blood, this knowledge could provide valuable evidence for future combat operations. It was a question whether Changkufeng really possessed such strategic significance as was claimed for it, but the Soviet policy of bluff could be interpreted as substantiating the weakness of the defenses of Vladivostok. "The Russians used all kinds of new weapons at Changkufeng and tipped their whole hand. But although mechanization of the Red Army had attained high levels with respect to quantity, their weaknesses in technique and quality were laid bare." Imaoka observed that since the Changkufeng Incident marked the first time that the Japanese and Soviet armies engaged each other in combat involving large strategic elements, divisional and above, Russian fighting strength was studied with keen interest. The Japanese did not rate the capacity of the officers or Soviet quality, in general, as especially high. Still, the Russians did possess quantitative abundance, and Japanese losses had been heavy because the enemy had fired masses of ammunition against fixed targets. Suetaka seemed to have comprehended the scope of tangible Soviet strength in equipment and materiel, as shown by his comment: "I felt deeply that if the gap in manpower went beyond limits, it would be inevitable for our casualties to increase tremendously; this might even cause us danger in specific local areas." Few Japanese officers saw anything new in Soviet tactical methods, although considerations of mass were ever-present. Not only intelligence experts but the whole army worked on ways of coping with Soviet forces that would have the numerical advantage by 3:1. Most awesome was the "fantastic abundance" of hostile materiel, although the Russians could not deploy to surround the Japanese because of the geography. An AGS expert on the USSR summed it up: "We learned that Soviet strength was up to expectations, whereas Japanese arms and equipment had to be improved and reinforced." Worded in a multiplicity of ways, the Japanese conclusion was that patient imperial forces had won a great victory by defending the contested border with flesh vs. steel and by limiting the Changkufeng Incident, till the end, against enemy hordes supported exclusively by planes and tanks. Japanese infantrymen admit that the combat soldiers did not savor their disadvantages. "All our materiel was inferior in quality and particularly in quantity. We had the impression that whereas we relied on muscle power, the enemy used engines. This rendered our fighting particularly hard, but we had full confidence in our spiritual strength [i.e., superiority]."  Nevertheless, the Japanese mode of tactical operation, asserted Iwasaki, the Korea Army senior staff officer, was "the worst possible: fighting with hands tied." This meant that the Russians could fight "to their hearts' content," committing tanks and planes, and striking from all directions. A front-line infantry commander commented: "One's troops ought to be provided meaningful reasons for fighting and for dying happily. It is cruel to ask officers and men to meet masses of steel and to shed their blood without visible cause, and apparently because of inadequate combat preparations." The cease-fire agreement was concluded "at just the right time," General Morimoto admitted. A secret report prepared by AGS analysts sheds light on the larger question of what the army thought it had learned about itself and the Soviet enemy: "In studying Changkufeng, one ought to bear a number of cautions in mind: (1) The incident broke out when we were concentrating on the holy war against China; severe limitations on combat operations were imposed by the necessity to adhere to a policy of nonenlargement. (2) Apparently, the enemy also adopted a policy of localization while continuously attempting to recapture the high ground in the Changkufeng area. (3) Our forces employed units which were on Phase-1 alert from beginning to end; in terms of quality, the personnel were excellent—mainly active-duty types, from key men down. But our numbers were far inferior, and our organization and equipment were not of the best. In addition, we committed no planes or tanks, whereas the enemy used plenty. (4) The 19th Division was thorough, rigorous, and realistic in its combat training prior to the engagement. (5) Battlefield terrain seriously limited the enemy's attacks, especially tank action. But while the Tumen restricted assaults against our flanks and rear, it hampered our own services of supply, notably the provision of position construction materials." The Japanese learned few or erroneous lessons from the Changkufeng affair; the Kwantung Army, for example, was convinced that everything had been handled badly in 1938 by the Korea Army and the high command. When a dispute arose in 1939 at Nomonhan on another border lying between Outer Mongolia and Manchukuo, the staff in Hsinking fostered escalating measures. The USSR, however, learned in 1937 and 1938 that the Japanese Army seemed to respect only force.  I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. The Changkufeng incident or battle of Lake Khasan clash saw a fierce Soviet push against Japanese positions around Changkufeng and Hill 52. The cease-fire ended the incident, but not the conflict. Despite the brutal lessons learned by both sides, a much larger conflict would explode the next year that would alter both nations throughout WW2.   

Listen to the article with analysis from the author:  US forces boarded and took control of an oil tanker in the Caribbean on Friday. The Olina is the fifth ship seized by the US in recent weeks. “In a pre-dawn action, Marines and Sailors from Joint Task Force Southern Spear, in support of the Department of Homeland Security, launched from the USS Gerald R. Ford and apprehended Motor/Tanker Olina in the Caribbean Sea without incident,” a statement from US Southern Command explained. SOUTHCOM claimed the raid was in defense of “our homeland by ending illicit activity and restoring security in the Western Hemisphere.” An oil industry source told The Guardian that the Olina left Venezuela last week after President Nicolas Maduro was kidnapped by US forces. The tanker later turned around and was sailing back to Venezuela when it was seized by US forces. President Donald Trump claimed that the Olina was seized in coordination with the interim government in Venezuela, led by Vice President Delcy Rodríguez. “Today, the United States of America, in coordination with the Interim Authorities of Venezuela, seized an oil tanker which departed Venezuela without our approval,” the President wrote on Truth Social. “This tanker is now on its way back to Venezuela, and the oil will be sold through the GREAT Energy Deal, which we have created for such sales.” Last week, the US seized a Russian-flagged tanker in the northern Atlantic. Russia's Foreign Ministry also issued a statement, calling for the US to treat any Russian nationals on the crew “humanely” and for them to be allowed to return home as quickly as possible. A Russian warship and submarine were reportedly in the vicinity of the Marinera during the seizure, but there was no confrontation between US and Russian forces. First Published at Antiwar.com

From the BBC World Service: One of Europe's busiest airports has canceled more than 700 flights today as a disruption caused by snow and ice enters a sixth day. The problem was made worse because of a shortage of anti-freeze for de-icing planes at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. Dutch airline KLM is the main one affected. Then, China's Foreign Ministry said President Donald Trump's demands for Venezuela's oil were "typical bullying" from the U.S.

From the BBC World Service: One of Europe's busiest airports has canceled more than 700 flights today as a disruption caused by snow and ice enters a sixth day. The problem was made worse because of a shortage of anti-freeze for de-icing planes at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. Dutch airline KLM is the main one affected. Then, China's Foreign Ministry calls President Donald Trump's demands for Venezuelan oil "typical bullying" from the U.S.

How has China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs transformed itself into one of the most assertive diplomatic actors on the global stage? What explains the rise of “wolf warrior” practices, and how should we interpret Beijing's evolving diplomatic identity? In this episode, Duncan McCargo speaks with Dylan Loh, an Associate Professor in the Public Policy and Global Affairs programme at Nanyang Technological University (Dr. Dylan M.H. Loh - Associate Professor | International Relations Scholar | Chinese Foreign Policy), about his award-winning new book China's Rising Foreign Ministry: Practices and Representations of Assertive Diplomacy (Stanford University Press, 2024). Dylan Loh unpacks how Chinese diplomats craft narratives and balance assertiveness with professionalism, touching on institutional habitus, ritualised loyalty, and China's bid for discourse power on platforms like X. This conversation offers timely insights for anyone interested in Chinese foreign policy, diplomacy, and the future of great-power relations. Host: Duncan McCargo is President's Chair in Global Affairs at Nanyang Technological University. Podcast Editing: Ishaan Krishnan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Listen to the article with analysis from the author:  North Korea claimed it conducted a successful test of a hypersonic missile.  “A sub-unit under a major firing strike group of the Korean People’s Army conducted a missile launching drill on January 4,” a statement in North Korean state media said. “The drill was conducted as part of the operational evaluation of the sustainability, effectiveness, and operation of the DPRK’s war deterrent while evaluating the readiness of the hypersonic weapon system, verifying and confirming its capability for fulfilling mission and developing the missile soldiers’ firing capability.” Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un oversaw the missile test. “To be honest, our such activity is clearly aimed at gradually putting the nuclear war deterrent on a highly developed basis.” He continued, “The reason why it is necessary is exemplified by the recent geopolitical crisis and complicated international events.” The test was conducted shortly after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was kidnapped by US forces. While Kim did not link the test to Maduro's capture, the North Korean leader has often argued that Pyongyang's nuclear arsenal prevents the US from attempting an Iraq or Libya-style regime change.   The North Korean Foreign Ministry denounced the US attack on Venezuela. “The incident is another example that clearly confirms once again the rogue and brutal nature of the US which the international community has so frequently witnessed for a long time.” The statement added, “The Foreign Ministry of the DPRK strongly denounces the U.S. hegemony-seeking act committed in Venezuela as the most serious form of encroachment of sovereignty and as a wanton violation of the UN Charter and international laws with respect for sovereignty, non-interference and territorial integrity as their main purpose.” Sunday's missile launch follows North Korea testing a long-range strategic cruise missile and a new anti-aircraft system late last year. 

Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:17532056201798502,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-9437-3289"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");pt> Click On Picture To See Larger PictureThe [CB] is panicking, Trump is now reversing their entire system, The D’s have no choice but to fold and go along with Trump’s no tax on tips etc, they resisted but the people complained, this will not work out well for them. Trump is now lowering the fuel prices by unleashing Venezuela’s oil, this will be used to go against the [DS]. Trump is in the process of dismantling the [DS], Venezuela has been released from the [DS] grasp. Maduro was arrested and brought to the US to stand trial. Maduro will most likely assist with the overthrow of the US government in 2020. The flow of money, training of terrorist happened in Venezuela, it is all coming to an end, soon the other countries will fall and the people will take them back. The world is being returned to the people. Economy (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:18510697282300316,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-8599-9832"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); Kathy Hochul Caves On ‘No Tax On Tips’ Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill made a straightforward promise: more money in workers' pockets. The plan eliminated the federal tax on tips and overtime pay for linemen and factory workers, and created a new deduction for seniors relying on Social Security. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called it “the most pro-worker, pro-family legislation in a generation.”   several blue-state governors were refusing to reciprocate by eliminating state taxes on tips, including Govs. Kathy Hochul (D-N.Y.), J.B. Pritzker (D-Ill.), and Jared Polis (D-Colo.). Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused them of “deliberately blocking their own residents” from the bill's benefits at the state level. Bessent made clear that states that refused to comply with the law should expect consequences. “Treasury stands ready to work with any state committed to delivering on that promise, but we will not stand idly by as this obstructionism drags down the national recovery,” he said. “This is about fairness. This is about opportunity. And this is about putting America first, starting with the families and workers who make our economy the envy of the world.” Kathy Hochul has now caved. On New Year's Day, she announced that New York will finally move to exempt service workers' tips from state income taxes on up to $25,000 in tipped income.   “Starting today, tax rates for the vast majority of lower and middle-class New Yorkers will be cut, families with children will see a sweeping increase in the child tax credit, and minimum wage workers across the state will see their wages go up. I'm kicking the new year off with a proposal of no state income tax on tips, continuing my efforts to make New York more affordable for hard working New Yorkers.” The change comes only after months of outrage from restaurant owners and service workers who accused Albany of putting politics ahead of paychecks. Service industry workers noticed and called it a slap in the face to people barely scraping by in such an expensive state.   Source: zerohedge.com https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/2007496574889537687?s=20 https://twitter.com/KobeissiLetter/status/2007500910277325260?s=20 https://twitter.com/TKL_Adam/status/2007468568619696559?s=20  damaged last night. On top of this, President Trump says the US will be “very much involved” in Venezuela’s oil industry going forward and China is “going to get oil.” In 2010, Venezuela was producing over 3 million barrels of oil per day, now down to ~900,000. If the US truly takes control of Venezuela’s oil industry, MUCH more supply is coming to market. Oil and gas prices would head much lower. Geopolitical https://twitter.com/KatieMiller/status/2007541679293944266?s=20 https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1274910217508196352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1274910217508196352%7Ctwgr%5E7e79690e7ff94a98319d1a5f7cef15f68e12ceb9%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2026%2F01%2Fjoe-bidens-old-tweet-claiming-trump-admires-thugs%2F https://twitter.com/willchamberlain/status/2007652410077086175?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2007652410077086175%7Ctwgr%5Ee26360c03ca670b2e4da2b86849c02fab10ca741%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2026%2F01%2Fjust-kamala-harris-gets-lit-up-x-after%2F Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega surrendered to U.S. forces on January 3, 1990, after seeking refuge for 10 days in the Vatican’s embassy (Papal Nunciature) in Panama City.  This event marked the end of Operation Just Cause, the U.S. invasion of Panama that began on December 20, 1989, under President George H.W. Bush, aimed at deposing Noriega and bringing him to face U.S. charges of drug trafficking, money laundering, and racketeering.  To pressure Noriega into surrendering, U.S. psychological operations teams blasted loud rock music—including tracks like Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle,” Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” and Van Halen’s “Panama”—at the embassy nonstop, contributing to his decision to give up.   He was immediately flown to Miami, where he stood trial, was convicted in 1992, and initially sentenced to 40 years in prison (later reduced).  After serving time in the U.S., Noriega was extradited to France in 2010 for money laundering charges, and finally to Panama in 2011 to face additional sentences for murder, corruption, and human rights abuses during his rule.   He died in Panama in 2017 while under house arrest for medical reasons.   The invasion itself involved around 25,000 U.S. troops, resulting in 23 American deaths, hundreds wounded, and estimates of 200–4,000 Panamanian civilian casualties, drawing international criticism despite achieving its primary objective. https://twitter.com/BillAckman/status/2007796748631314839?s=20 https://twitter.com/bennyjohnson/status/2007549887098040495?s=20  https://twitter.com/CynicalPublius/status/2007518675641983427?s=20   advance. Trump Admin's Top Secret Maduro Military Operation Plans Reportedly Leaked To Legacy Media Outlets Despite an unidentified party leaking plans of the Trump administration's top secret military operation targeting Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela to both The New York Times and the Washington Post, neither publication decided to expose it, Semafor reported Saturday night. Two anonymous sources, described as familiar with the communication between the administration and media outlets, told Semafor that both outlets declined to break the news on the operation before it happened out of concern for U.S. troops involved. The military incursion, carried out early Saturday, resulted in the capture and ouster of socialist dictator Nicolás Maduro, whom a grand jury later indicted on four charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy. The identity of the leaker or leakers was not made public as of Sunday morning. Source: dailycaller.com https://twitter.com/ElectionWiz/status/2007811723013603611?s=20 Russia, China Demand That US Immediately Release Maduro From Custody Within mere hours after President Trump announced the Saturday capture by US forces of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife after a brief shock bombing campaign and special forces operation in Caracas, Russia has demanded from Washington his immediate release. “We firmly call on the U.S. leadership to reconsider this position and release the lawfully elected president of a sovereign country and his wife,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement, and described that the crisis should be resolved through diplomatic means. “Russia will continue to support the course pursued by its Bolivarian leadership to defend the country’s national interests and sovereignty,” the Foreign Ministry said, while also calling for restraint and cautioning against further escalation. China has joined Moscow’s calls for the immediate release of Maduro from US custody: China has called on the United States to immediately releaaljazeera.com/…/china-urges-us-to-stop-toppling-venezuelan-government-release-madurose Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro after Washington carried out massive military strikes on the capital, Caracas, as well as other regions, and abducted the leader. Beijing on Sunday insisted the safety of Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores be a priority, and called on the US to “stop toppling the government of Venezuela,” calling the attack a “clear violation of international law“. https://twitter.com/alaynatreene/status/2007491168389525809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2007491168389525809%7Ctwgr%5E1cec862879fed0a0919d0a99238a33d07975d1bb%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zerohedge.com%2Fgeopolitical%2Frussia-china-demand-us-immediately-release-venezuelas-maduro Source: zerohedge.com China has embedded operational control into critical mineral extraction that feeds weapons manufacturing  Iran has established drone production facilities within strike range of the continental United States. Russia has deployed military advisers and integrated air defense systems in the Caribbean. Venezuela represents the only location where all three adversaries operate simultaneously https://twitter.com/CynicalPublius/status/2007644800779169936?s=20   legitimate, outstanding US drug charges from 2020, the real reason for the military operations early this morning is that neutralizing Maduro’s Venezuela had become a strategic imperative for the USA. Under Maduro, Venezuela had become the Latin American crossroads for all of the USA’s principal enemies. Maduro was nurturing relationships with Russia, Hezbollah and Iran. Worst of all, Venezuela was eagerly becoming a part of Red China’s Belt & Road initiative. As America’s enemies were lining up Venezuela as their base of operations in the Western Hemisphere to cause mischief and destruction for the USA, Maduro was at the same time making Venezuela a crossroads, safe haven and enabler for all manner of narcoterrorist operations, ranging from Colombia’s FARC to Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel. On top of all that, Venezuela had become a key player in the illegal alien invasion of the USA, shipping its very worst to the USA in a deliberate and comprehensive destabilizing operation that might have worked had Donald Trump not won in 2024. Next in importance: oil. The global and regional ambitions of both China and Russia are in large part dependent on the politics of petroleum, and the USA just deprived both of the cudgel afforded by friendly Venezuelan oil. Trump opponents say “It’s about oil” as if that was a bad thing. Yeah, it’s about oil. Finally, all of this was in keeping with the most essential and fundamental foreign policy mandate of the USA almost since the nation’s inception: the Monroe Doctrine. Operations like what Maduro was running simply cannot be allowed in the Western Hemisphere. Trump was right for falling back on this most basic of doctrines that protects the USA’s sovereignty. So was Maduro seized because of some five year-old drug charges? Yes. Legally–yes. However, like so many strategic issues in the world today, an action needed to be backed by the fine points of law, and it was. But the reality is that the Maduro takedown was a Monroe Doctrine-driven necessity that has greatly enhanced the power and national security of the USA. Congratulations, Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, Pete Hegseth and the rest of the Trump national security team: you boldly took the steps necessary to defend the USA. Well done. https://twitter.com/EndWokeness/status/2007597322549469370?s=20  Uh… but what about America 1st!!!!” Dominating our hemisphere is America 1st.  READ: Maduro Indictment Unsealed  https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi/status/2007468832567222274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2007468832567222274%7Ctwgr%5Ea380e4654af6dbcd0ced13d78085deb2a2a57e8d%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2026%2F01%2Fread-maduro-indictment-unsealed%2F Read the indictment here. The grand jury indicted Maduro, his wife, Cilia Flores and four others on four counts: Narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices. “Nicolas Maduro Moros, the defendant, now sits atop a corrupt, illegitimate government that, for decades, has leveraged government power to protect and promote illegal activity, including drug trafficking,” the indictment read. “That drug trafficking has enriched and entrenched Venezuela's political and military elite, including Minister of the Interior, Justice and Peace Diosado Cabello Rondon, the defendant, and former Minister of the Interior and Justice Ramon Rodriguez Chachin, the defendant,” the charging document read. The White House absolutely savaged Maduro on Saturday. Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/mrddmia/status/2007459071985676697?s=20 https://twitter.com/CynicalPublius/status/2007412199132934453?s=20   with it. Go America! https://twitter.com/marcorubio/status/2007404924393697601?s=20 https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/2007510867307626848?s=20 https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/2007503643453559225?s=20 https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/2007737447631945888?s=20 https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/2007759220851327278?s=20 War/Peace https://twitter.com/ElectionWiz/status/2007814479892111690?s=20  Years after he left office, a reflective Barack Obama admitted that he and his administration made a “mistake” in not forcefully supporting an Iranian civilian uprising in 2009 that could have ousted that country's ruing mullahs. Faced with a fresh protest movement 16-plus years later led by street vendors, President Donald Trump has taken the opposite tact in a robust embrace of everyday Iranians that caught the attention of Tehran. If Iran “violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue,” Trump wrote in a 3 a.m. post Friday on his TruthSocial platform. “We are locked and loaded and ready to go.”  The president was not more specific about his intentions, but Iranian dissidents and non-official Trump advisers cheered the statement and said it set the stage for tougher sanctions or other actions by the administration. Interesting Timing – Zelenskyy Planning to Remove Head of the Security Service of Ukraine This is very interesting timing considering the recent denial by Zelenskyy that Ukraine had anything to do with the attack on Russian President Vladimir Putin's residence. According to Politico, Zelenskyy is removing Vasyl Malyuk as head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the state's top counterintelligence agency. Malyuk previously worked with British intelligence on operation “Spiderweb” where Ukrainian drones hit Russia's strategic bombers on several protected airfields (USA not informed). Source: theconservativetreehouse.com [DS] Agenda  President Trump's Plan FBI Thwarts ISIS-Inspired New Year’s Eve Terror Plot In North Carolina The FBI said it foiled an ISIS-inspired New Year's Eve terror attack in North Carolina. Suspect Christian Sturdivant, 18, was arrested on Dec. 31 and charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina Russ Ferguson said at a Jan. 2 press conference. Sturdivant appeared in court on Jan. 2. A U.S. citizen, Sturdivant had allegedly planned the attack for about a year, according to Ferguson. A hand-written document titled “The New Year's Eve Attack 2026” was found in Sturdivant's bedroom trash can and included a section labeled, “martyrdom Op,” court papers claim.  Sturdivant read ISIS material online, visited the terrorist group's websites, and made TikTok videos, Ferguson said. Source: zerohedge.com Former CBS Reporter Catherine Herridge Reveals How Executives Delayed Her Reporting On Hunter Biden Laptop Former CBS investigative reporter Catherine Herridge said Thursday CBS News executives postponed airing her reports on the contents of Hunter Biden's laptop. https://twitter.com/C__Herridge/status/2006795554471186519?s=20   always do the story when it’s ready to go. You should not be dictated by the political cycle.” At that time, CBS News was under different management, and did not respond to our questions seeking comment.   Source: dailycaller.com  https://twitter.com/bread_n_caviar/status/2007473725331960305?s=20 how much Jeb Bush is connected to drug trafficking. Here's my Substack article on that subject: https://twitter.com/Rasmussen_Poll/status/2007377888858062869?s=20 https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/2007528129988862028?s=20 is undoing the damage the CIA has been used to do over the last 78 years around the world. The Deep State network is being dismantled. Trump did the same thing with Iran. Who enabled and paid Iran to make nukes? Obama via the Iran Deal. Neutralizing Iran's nuclear capabilities was Trump cleaning up another Deep State mess created by past administrations. Trump knows where all the Deep State assets and proxies are, and he is uprooting them. It's actually happening. Trump is obliterating the Deep State! Maduro a Cartel/Deep State puppet for a while  Wants out  Negotiates exit with Trump  U.S. military extracts him  Trump rugs the Deep State’s regime change op with his own regime change op https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2007682086271103487?s=20   Maduro played a large role in the destabilization efforts, sending drugs and murderous gangs into our country. Is it considered one crime syndicate?   https://twitter.com/TheQNewsPatriot/status/2007662811296731504?s=20 https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/2007516103950414317?s=20   nations and regions that past US administrations have destabilized and destroyed. If there is no instability, the Deep State cannot operate. Therefore, Trump is going to neutralize those causing the instability, ie, the cartels. Trump is essentially undoing the decades of damage caused by the Deep State, and creating a new world the way it should be.  https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/2007547290035302659?s=20   MIL in their cities? Now do you see why they have been panicking about the Insurrection Act? The Dems are Deep State puppets just like Maduro. They fear that what just happened to Maduro, is going to happen to them. THEY FEAR THE RECKONING! (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:13499335648425062,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-7164-1323"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="//cdn2.customads.co/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");

Consider the president's attack on Leftism, indirectly he is addressing the drug problem. Particularly when you consider that 2.1 Democrats left the party during the Biden years. I see that as a Trump intervention that ultimately added 2.5 million new Republicans during the same period.To be a Democrats, you almost have to be on a psychotic drug, a hallucinogen. Because along with the most insane policy positions, Democrats want their supporters to believe blatant lies.https://www.turkiyetoday.com/world/russia-evacuates-diplomats-families-from-venezuela-as-us-seizes-oil-tankers-3211754?s=1Russia's Foreign Ministry has begun evacuating the families of diplomats from Venezuela, a European intelligence official told AP on Monday, as the United States pursues its third sanctioned oil tanker in the Caribbean and President Donald Trump convenes senior national security officials at his Mar-a-Lago resort.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's Monday, December 29th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes written by yours truly and heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. Filling in for Adam McManus, I'm Ean Leppin. (Contact@eanvoiceit.com) Trump Orders Airstrike Against ISIS Militants in Nigeria President Donald Trump ordered an airstrike against ISIS-affiliated militants in northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day!  Persecution.org reports that Christians in Nigeria have faced ongoing attacks with minimal support from the international community until recently.  In the first 7 months of this year alone, more than 7000 Christians have been killed, an average of 35 per day.  President Trump said in a post on Truth Social that the ISIS militants have been, ‘viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians.'  Christmas Celebrations Return to Bethlehem and Nazareth FOX News reports that Christmas celebrations returned this year to both Bethlehem and Nazareth.  In Nazareth, where Jesus grew up, festivities were rooted in a growing Christian presence.  In Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, celebrations took place after more than two years of disruption.  Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics reports that over 184,000 Christians live in Israel as of Christmas Eve of 2024 a growth of 0.7%.  This makes Israel one of the few countries in the Middle East where the Christian community continues to grow. This is good news!  However, Heather Johnston, founder and CEO of the US Israel Education Association said, ‘At Christmas, the contrast between Nazareth and Bethlehem tells a larger story.  Christians are flourishing in Nazareth under Israeli rule, while in Bethlehem, under Palestinian Authority, the Christian population has been shrinking for years.' In fact there were reports for multiple incidents targeting Christians in the week leading up to Christmas for those living under Palestinian Authority areas, like Bethlehem.  Israel's Foreign Ministry responded by warning of, ‘growing hostility toward Christians'. Continue to pray for believers in Israel. James 1:2-4 says Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Massive Financial Waste in the US News of massive financial waste has surfaced from The Office of Audit Services.  The watchdog report was released last week.  It showed that over $207.5 million was issued in managed care payments on behalf of deceased enrollees between July 2021 to July 2022.  American Family News reports that a new provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill will require states to audit their Medicaid beneficiary lists to help reduce these payments in the future.  In fact by 2027 it will be required that Medicaid agencies practice quarterly audits of their beneficiary lists. Barna Releases List of Top Trends in 2025 Barna Research released their list of the top 10 trends, or most read, reports of 2025.  Here are the top 3.   3)  Women and Men Experience Church Attendance Differently. A report released in October.  The conclusion of the report shows that of 2025, 43 percent of men and 36 percent of women report attending church regularly, based on reported weekly attendance.  In 5 of the last 6 years, men have outpaced women in this key measure of religious engagement and the 2025 gap is the largest measured.   2) Young Adults Are Leading a Resurgence in Church Attendance. A report released in September.  This report shows that Millennial and Gen Z Christians are attending church more frequently than before and more often than older generations.  The typical Gen Z churchgoer now attends 1.9 weekends per month, while Millennial churchgoers average 1.8 times, representing the highest attendance levels among young Christians since Barna began tracking them. 1) Belief in Jesus Is Rising - Especially Among Younger Adults A report released back in April.  The study reveals that 66 percent of all US adults say they have made a personal commitment to Jesus that is still important in their life today.  That marks a 12 percentage point increase since 2021. We celebrate a growing number of people following the Lord with Psalm 100:1-3:  "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.  Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.  Know that the Lord is God.  It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture." YouVersion Bible App Reaches One Billion Downloads And finally, CBN.com reports that it has been a big year for the YouVersion Bible App in 2025.  The app hit a huge milestone of having one billion downloads!  YouVersion has seen a 27 percent increase in daily use in Sub-Saharan Africa and a 33 percent increase in daily Bible engagement in North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia.  It also reported a 14 percent increase in North America.  So what was the most read verse of 2025?  It was Isaiah 41:10 that says, So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. The year marks the fourth time in six years that Isaiah 41:10 has claimed the top spot. CEO Bobby Gruenewald says, ‘In a world full of anxiety and uncertainty, people are drawn to God's promise to be with us, to strengthen us, and to help us.  That message never gets old because the need for it is universal and timeless.'   Close And that's The Worldview on this Monday, December 29th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. Filling in for Adam McManus I'm Ean Leppin (Contact@eanvoiceit.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced in a video message that he has approved the largest energy deal in Israel’s history. The natural gas deal with Egypt is worth NIS 112 billion ($34.7 billion), of which NIS 58 billion ($18 billion) will go into public coffers. Magid gives insight into the slow rollout of this massive deal. Magid reported yesterday that the US has secured commitments from Egypt, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Italy and Germany to have their leaders join US President Donald Trump on the Board of Peace that will oversee the postwar management of Gaza. We review the significance of the names that are currently not on the list and the ambiguous mandate of the International Security Force -- including an apparent walk-back from forcing Hamas to disarm. On Sunday, hundreds of Palestinians attended protests across the West Bank against the Palestinian Authority’s new prisoner payment system. Does this public anger indicate that Ramallah is moving ahead with the Western-pushed welfare reform, or is it all smoke and mirrors, as Israel's Foreign Ministry alleges? In the annual Hanukkah party on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump said that Congress “is becoming antisemitic,” as the “Jewish lobby” is no longer the strongest in Washington. Though he wasn't given a White House latke this year, Magid agrees to set the scene and delves into statements made at the celebration.Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: ‘Historic moment’: Netanyahu announces $34.7 billion natural gas deal with Egypt Six countries have committed to joining Trump’s Board of Peace, say officials ISF will not fight Hamas, say US officials, who still seek to deploy force next month Palestinians protest PA prisoner payment reform, in apparent sign of implementation At White House Hanukkah party, Trump laments ‘Jewish lobby’ no longer most powerful Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Podwaves. IMAGE: A view of the platform of the Leviathan natural gas field in the Mediterranean Sea is pictured from the Israeli northern coastal beach of Nasholim, on August 29, 2022. (JACK GUEZ / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Day 1,372.Today, as Thanksgiving is marked in the United States – and supposedly the day by which Ukraine was meant to agree to a peace deal, a deadline Donald Trump has now walked back – Russia denies leaking the phone call in which Steve Witkoff coached Vladimir Putin's top aides on how to flatter the former president. We assess whether Marco Rubio's apparent demand – that a peace deal be signed before the US grants Ukraine any security guarantees – is remotely deliverable. We also report on how Moldovan authorities attempted to return a Russian drone that violated their airspace. And later, we hear from the Ukrainian public, and gauge their reaction to this week's extraordinary developments.ContributorsDominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.With thanks to Svitlana Morenets, columnist at the Spectator.SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It's free for everyone, including non-subscribers.CONTENT REFERENCED:Who leaked Witkoff's Kremlin call? These are the main suspects (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/26/steve-witkoff-kremlin-call-main-suspects-witi-leaks/ Made in Moscow: The “U.S. peace plan” for Ukraine was substantially formulated months ago by Kremlin operative Kirill Dmitriev (The Insider):https://theins.press/en/politics/287159 Allies worry US demands Ukraine deal before security guarantees (POLITICO):https://www.politico.com/news/2025/11/26/us-demands-peace-deal-before-security-guarantees-for-ukraine-00670210 Moldova's Foreign Ministry confronts Russian ambassador with drone that violated country's airspace (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/moldovas-foreign-ministry-confronts-russian-ambassador-with-drone-that-violated-countrys-airspace/ A better way to craft a reparations loan (Hugo Dixon of the Ukraine Reparations Loan):https://www.ukrainereparationsloan.com/post/a-better-way-to-craft-a-reparations-loan Zarah Sultana's pompous, luxury beliefs about Ukraine (The Spectator):https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/zarah-sultanas-pompous-luxury-beliefs-about-ukraine/ Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.